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Your Ultimate Guide to PCSing to Hawaii

E komo mai! Welcome to Hawaii!

Have You Received a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) To Paradise?

While you could be eager to relocate, you might also have reservations about going to a remote island in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. Follow these pointers for a smooth transition to military life in beautiful Hawaii. Upon receiving your PCS orders for Hawaii, it is crucial to start planning immediately. As part of the process, each service member will be assigned a sponsor who will provide valuable information and guidance regarding the transfer to the new base. Additionally, it is recommended to join relevant Facebook groups dedicated to PCS and relocation to Oahu, Hawaii.
 
These groups can offer valuable insights and support during the transition. Each service also has a Facebook page specifically designed for local spouses, providing a platform for connecting and sharing experiences. By taking advantage of these resources, you can enhance your preparation and make the most out of your move to Hawaii.
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Moving Household Goods (HHG) During PCS

When moving your household goods (HHG) during a PCS to Hawaii, it's important to consider the limited living space on the island. Typically, a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms has around 1,500 sq. ft. To decide what to bring and what to leave behind, you can use Move.mil's estimation calculator, which suggests approximately 1,500 pounds per room (excluding bathrooms and storage spaces) as a weight estimate.
 
Before the movers arrive, create an inventory of all your belongings. If you have valuable items, it's advisable to consider increasing your insurance coverage. Moving companies usually provide a set amount for lost or damaged property, but you can also explore options with private insurance firms or your homeowner's policy to cover items during transit.
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How to PCS to Hawaii with Pets

Pets are a vital part of the family, so before your PCS, it's crucial to spend some time learning about Hawaii's pet-related laws. Hawaii is a rabies-free destination, and its quarantine laws aim to protect both residents and pets from the potential risks associated with rabies. Import regulations for dogs and cats must be adhered to, regardless of their age, including puppies and kittens.
 
All dogs and cats are required to go through a quarantine process. The duration of the quarantine period depends on how early you initiate the pre-arrival checklist. It is advisable to consult with your pet's veterinarian regarding the necessary preparations. If the requirements are met, pets may qualify for a 30-day, 5-day, or straight release from the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). However, if the conditions are not met, animals will be subjected to a 120-day quarantine upon arrival. It's important to note that it's never too late to begin the quarantine process, even at your current location. Visit Hawaii's Animal Quarantine Information Page for further information. 
 
 
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To qualify for the 5-day-or-less quarantine program, please follow the requirements indicated in this checklist.
 
Dog and cat inspections at HNL take place every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Pet owners should schedule their flights to arrive at HNL by 1:30PM, as it can take up to an hour for the airlines to transport the pets to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Center. If the airline's arrival time is later than 4:30PM, pets will need to spend the night at the Animal Quarantine Station, and they must be picked up by 10am to avoid an additional fee of $59.

United Airlines Military & State Department Pet Exemptions

Members of the U.S. Military on current Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders including retirement/separation orders and State Department Foreign Service Personnel (FSP) on current reassignment are permitted to transport their personal pets (dogs and cats only) as checked baggage. Several military families PCSing to Oahu have benefited from the assistance of Island Pet Movers, a veteran-owned and pet operated relocation business.
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Temporary Housing Allowance (TLA) Approved Army Hotels in Hawaii

Newcomers must report to their housing office within 72 hours after arrival. You will be guided to temporary housing on or off base from the housing office. There is a chance that you will be granted TLA, which can last up to 60 days and depends on whether on-base housing is available.
 
Make sure you have permission to check into a TLA-approved hotel by asking for a TLA "Non-Availability" notice before making any reservations there.
 
If looking for a home off base, you will need to show documents to the housing office as proof of your home search and current escrow if you accept a contract to buy any island house or condo.
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Shipping Your Personally Owned Vehicles to Hawaii

One POV shipment at government expense is permitted for military personnel. You should budget $1,000 or more for transportation costs to Hawaii from ports on the West Coast. A schedule for transport could be 2 weeks to a month, depending on when the cargo ship departs harbor. Call the Vehicle Processing Center at Horizon Lines to make arrangements for pickup after you've reached the island. Visit PCSmyPOV for more details about car turn in, checkout, or in-transit visibility.

More Valuable Information

Within 30 days of arrival, newcomers must register their POV with the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicle Registration. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles Information website for further details.
 
For each registration, renewal, or transfer transaction, non-resident active duty military personnel must present a correctly filled-out Non-Resident Certificate, Form CS-L (MVR) 50. The military personnel office or your unit can provide you with Form CS-L (MVR) 50 and Form CS-L (MVR) 50A.
 
If you plan on obtaining a Hawaii driver’s license, visit this Driver’s License Information webpage.
Armed forces personnel must register their weapons with the state of Hawaii and the assigned base upon arrival. With the Honolulu Police Department, you have three days to register your firearms (HPD). A criminal charge of firearms ownership could arise from failing to register your weapons. Simply bring the unloaded firearm, valid identification, and proof of ownership to the HPD Firearms Division for examination in order to register. You will be fingerprinted and photographed for a $16.50 charge.
 
If you wish to live in military or privatized on-base housing, you must register the firearm with the base's security office. A current military ID card, evidence of HPD firearm registration, and documentation of your address in the housing area are all required. For more information on the registration office, please call the Oahu Military Directory at 808-449-7110.
Temporary mailboxes can be reserved upon arrival for a period of 90 days, with extensions available upon request. A recommended time to reserve a mailbox is 30 days before your PCS. Each base will have its own temporary mailbox location and point of contact. For information on how to contact the post office at your particular base and set up a temporary mailbox, please refer to Oahu's Military Directory 808-449-7110.
The Hawaii State Department of Education works hard to make the transition for families with children enrolled in Hawaii's public schools easier. It's also advised that you get in touch with your School Liaison Officer at both your current and new schools for transition support.
On Hawaii, homeschooling is also very common. All around the island, there are numerous active and thriving homeschooling communities. A quick online social media search will enable you to connect with active groups and uncover the many homeschooling networks.
Once you've landed on island, don't forget to attend the free newcomers' briefing your base should give. The presence of spouses is encouraged. You should ask your sponsor for a day, time, and place. Monthly briefings like these are held. The housing office at each base will have this information available for you.

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