Partially because of its distance to the mainland, partially because of its tropical and volcanic geography, and partially because of its vast differences in heritage (over 37% of Hawaiians identify as being of Asian descent), Hawaii is like no other state in the U.S.
For decades Hawaii’s government officials have done their best to keep Hawaii different, and not allow invasive species to be brought onto the islands. Otherwise, well, case in point, you know those monkey pod trees you see all over Hawaii? They’re not native to the state – they’re originally from Central America and northern South America (specifically the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, as well as Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil). But they were brought over at one point and thrived.
PC: John McMahon // flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0
FUN FACT! Monkey pod trees are now also banned from being planted in certain parts of Hawaii, since they’re considered to be an invasive species.
Hawaii’s way to keep its land as native as possible is to have all visiting family units fill out a special Hawaiʻi’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, which essentially says you’re not (or were, with a narrative) bringing in:
- fresh fruits/vegetables
- cut flowers/foliage
- rooted plants/cuttings/algae
- raw/propagative seeds/bulbs
- soil/sand/growing media
- live seafood
- bacteria/fungi/viruses/protozoa cultures
- insects/live fish/amphibians
into the state. They also ask if you were bringing any live animals into Hawaii.
Anyway, for decades, these questionnaires have been actual physical forms that were filled out on the plane.
The back of the form included questions about where the person lived, how long they would be in Hawaii, demographic info, etc. And everyone – even residents of Hawaii – had to fill it out on the plane so it could be collected by officials upon landing.
Anyway, we’re already into the third decade of the 21st century and having to fill out, essentially, Scantrons of the form, was just silly (to say nothing of a total waste of paper). So there was a group “HOORAY!” when state leaders announced the launch of ʻAkamai Arrival’ in late February. After 52 years of filling out the Plants and Animals Declaration Form on paper, it’s a pilot program that digitizes Hawaiʻi’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, streamlining the process for travelers arriving in the islands.
The pilot program began on March 1st, with passengers of select flights serviced by Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest and United. Each carrier has unique plans on digital form implementation. Some will solicit form completion prior to arrival (including check-in reminders and gate announcements) while others will ask travelers to complete their form using in-flight Wi-Fi.
The electronic form is essentially the same as the paper version. After reading the introduction and selecting your preferred language
And reporting the date of your arrival into Hawaii
You then answer each page regarding what you may or may not have with you.
i.e. live animals:
Vegetation, etc.:
And then all the demographic stuff.
It’s a pilot program that will run through May 31st, 2025. Governor Josh Green’s office says that monthly progress updates will be shared with participating airlines and data collected will help determine potential expansions of the program in the future.
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