Hawaii is expanding its digital agriculture form program, a move that could streamline arrival processes for tourists and impact related businesses. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced the expansion of the Akamai Arrival program, which allows travelers to complete the Department of Agriculture’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form digitally. Originally a pilot program set to end on May 31st, the state decided to extend it due to its success. According to Hawaii News Now, 74% of passengers used the digital form, compared to 60% with the paper system.
The initiative, as highlighted by Spectrum News, aims to modernize biosecurity efforts and improve completion rates. The digital form is accessible pre-departure and pre-arrival, and available in six languages, assisting non-English speakers. Airlines participating in the program have discretion over how to integrate the digital form into their arrival processes, potentially leading to more efficient processing times at airports.
The shift to digital forms is expected to streamline the arrival experience for visitors, potentially benefiting the tourism and hospitality sectors. By reducing the time spent on paperwork, travelers may experience a smoother transition into their vacations. This could have positive effects on businesses reliant on tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, and activity providers.
The extension demonstrates the state's commitment to modernizing its processes and catering to the needs of a diverse visitor base. With the digital form, the state is also hoping to strengthen its defenses against invasive species. According to Hawaii Tribune-Herald, the initiative is a forward-thinking approach that modernizes biosecurity efforts.
