Hawaii is a rabies free state and requires the quarantine of animals imported to the state to protect residents and animals from potentially serious health problems associated with the presence and spread of rabies. Importation of carnivores (dog, cats, etc.) and herbivores (elephants, etc.) is governed by Chapter 4-29 of the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture Administrative Rules.

The Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture can approve a short term permit for performing animals when it has been determined that the animals shall be adequately safeguarded under the control of professional trainers or handlers. Additionally, the animal must have a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian dated within 7 days of arrival. Special duty police officers must accompany the animals to/from the secured area where they will be housed. All fees incurred for such supervision are to be paid by the film company/applicant.

There is a bonding requirement for most performing animals in the amount of $2,000 per animal, unless the owner is in possession of a USDA Class C Exhibitors License, then the bond for each animal imported will be $1,000 in the form of a cashiers check or cash. If everything goes well during the production and all of the import conditions are met, the bond money will be returned after the animals depart the State of Hawaii.

The film company/applicant needs to provide a letter stating the itinerary of the animals while in Hawaii (dates, times, locations, transfers, etc.) along with a description of the quarantine and filming location (type of cage, secured enclosure, security provided by permittee, etc.) With proper documentation, processing will take a minimum of two weeks.

For information regarding domestic animals contact:

Dr. Isaac Maeda
Animal Quarantine
Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industry
99-941 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5699
Telephone: (808) 483-7144
Fax:  (808) 483-7161

To request an Import Permit for non-domestic animals, contact:

Keevin Miname
Land Vertebrates Specialist
Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch
1849 Awiki Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Telephone: (808) 832-0566
Fax: (808) 832-0584