HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii officials are welcoming news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security aims to set up immigration and customs stations to screen Japanese passengers before they arrive in the U.S.
The department said Friday it will begin negotiations to expand preclearance operations to 10 new foreign airports, including Narita International Airport outside Tokyo.
The program allows Customs and Border Protection officers stationed abroad to decide whether to admit passengers and their belongings to the U.S. before they leave a foreign port.
Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO George Szigeti says the program would reduce the number of visitors having to go through customs in Honolulu and save Japanese travelers time.
U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz both issued statements welcoming the news.
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