Hawaii Airport: Confiscated Items And Their Fate

Hawaii's airports have strict rules about what can and cannot be brought on board a flight. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is responsible for confiscating prohibited items, and they take their screening duties very seriously. Some of the items that have been confiscated at Hawaii's airports include boomerangs, knives disguised as hair combs, and torch lighters. Other prohibited items include tools over seven inches in length, certain types of food, and liquids. These confiscated items are sometimes put up for auction by the State Procurement Office's Surplus Property Office, where the public can bid on them online.

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Torch lighters

In 2005, the TSA began enforcing a ban on common lighters in the secure areas of airports and onboard aircraft. This ban was extended to include torch lighters, which are considered to be more dangerous. While one common lighter or book of safety matches can be carried in the cabin, torch lighters are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. This is due to the risk of fire, with lighters potentially starting fires in cargo holds.

The TSA has stated that the ban on torch lighters and other lighters frees up security officers' time and resources, allowing them to focus on finding explosives, using behavior recognition, and conducting random screening procedures. The disposal of confiscated lighters also incurs significant costs, with the New York Times reporting that it costs around $4 million annually.

It is important to note that Hawaiian Airlines may have additional restrictions beyond government regulations. Therefore, passengers should always check with the airline directly to ensure they are compliant with all relevant rules and restrictions.

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Tools

If you are travelling with tools that do not meet the requirements, you will be given the option to place them in your checked baggage, return them to your car or give them to a non-travelling companion, or leave them with the TSA. If you choose to leave them with the TSA, they will be sent to the State Surplus Agency, which will then decide what to do with them. The surplus agency may put the confiscated tools up for auction, with the money raised going towards funding the office.

Smart bags with a lithium battery power bank installed are considered checked baggage only if the battery can be removed without the use of a tool. If the battery can be removed, it must be carried in the cabin with its terminals isolated to prevent a short circuit.

Other items that will be confiscated include Swiss Army knives, box cutters, bottle openers, kitchen knives, and even golf clubs. It is always a good idea to check beforehand which items are not allowed on planes to avoid having your possessions confiscated.

Food

Hawaii has strict regulations on the food items that can be brought into the state, with certain foods prohibited to protect the local agriculture and environment. Fresh fruits and vegetables, plants and plant cuttings, seeds, and certain meats and animals are not allowed into Hawaii. These restrictions are in place to prevent the introduction of new pests and diseases that could threaten the state's agriculture and environment.

However, there are some food items that are generally allowed into Hawaii. Packaged foods that are store-bought and commercially packaged are typically accepted, as long as they do not contain any fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, or seeds. Cooked, canned, frozen, or processed foods are also permitted, as long as they are coming from within the United States. Frozen or chilled meats are also allowed, as long as the meat originated in the U.S.

It is important to declare all food items upon arrival and ensure they comply with the state's regulations. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, and the confiscation of prohibited items. It is recommended to check with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for specific guidelines and requirements, as well as for information on how to certify plants and cuttings.

When leaving Hawaii, all food, plants, and other agricultural items must be presented to a USDA inspector at the airport for examination. The inspector will ensure that the items are free from pests and diseases before allowing them to leave the state.

Knives

Hawaii's weapons law, HRS sec. 134-51, was amended in May 2024 to remove automatic knives (switchblades), gravity knives, and butterfly knives from the list of prohibited weapons. However, the law still retains a ban on the concealed carry of these knives, and possession or use in the commission of a crime is prohibited.

Despite this, knives of any size, from machetes to pocket knives, are not allowed in carry-on luggage on planes. Only plastic knives and rounded butter knives are permitted on board. All other knives must be packed in checked baggage and "should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors."

In recent months, TSA officers have confiscated knives of various types, including ceramic knives, butterfly knives, and knives hidden in combs, from travellers' carry-on bags and on their persons during screenings.

Sports equipment

When flying to Hawaii, it's important to be aware of any restrictions on sports equipment to avoid having your items confiscated. While Hawaiian Airlines accepts select sports equipment as standard checked baggage, there are certain items that may be confiscated if deemed hazardous or non-compliant with government regulations.

Surfboards, Bicycles, and Golf Clubs

Hawaiian Airlines allows surfboards, bicycles, and golf clubs as standard checked baggage on its flights. However, there may be weight and size restrictions, and additional fees might apply for oversized or overweight items. For example, Hawaiian Airlines has specified a weight limit of 100 pounds for surfboard bags.

Paintball and Airsoft Guns

Paintball and airsoft guns are subject to strict regulations and may be confiscated if not in compliance with government laws. To avoid confiscation, ensure you declare these items in advance and comply with any applicable requirements, such as removing CO2 tanks, barrels, and hoppers, and ensuring they are empty and suitably packaged for travel.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are subject to similar restrictions as paintball and airsoft guns. All firearms and ammunition must be declared in advance, and any non-compliance with government laws may result in confiscation and potential civil or criminal liability. Magazines and clips must be removed and empty.

Scuba Diving Equipment

Scuba diving equipment may be accepted as checked baggage, but it is essential to check the specific regulations and requirements for transporting such equipment.

It is always recommended to check the latest guidelines provided by the TSA and the airline you are travelling with to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on restricted items.

Frequently asked questions