Bringing Pet Turtles to Hawaii? (Honolulu, Kihei: inspections, dangerous, agriculture)

[amandaiasillo]

I know how hard it is to bring dogs and cats into Hawaii, but does anyone have any information on bringing pet turtles into Honolulu airport? I can't see how they would be subject to a strict quarantine as with dogs or cats but is there any kind of stipulations on bringing turtles? I have 2 red eared sliders and an african sidenecked turtle. Thanks!

[whynot?]

Here's a link to the D of Ag's page on bringing turtles in: Importing Turtles/Tortoises to Hawaii — Hawaii Department of Agriculture There is an application process, and pre-arrival and post-arrival vet inspections/certifications are required and your first entry to the state must be through Honolulu (as opposed to any neighbor isle) airport. As far as I know, only snapping turtles are specifically denied entrance to the state.

You might also be interested in this news story from Maui last week: African tortoise found on Maui beach - Hawaii News - Starbulletin.com Someone's African tortoise "escaped" and washed ashore on a beach in Kihei.

[PacificFlights]

You need a Health Certificate from the turtle’s Vet, and a PQ-7 Permit to Import Restricted Commodities. Before anything else, contact the Hawaii dept of Agriculture (808) 832-0566 to make sure the specific turtle is not a prohibited item. Do not attempt to bring the turtles into Hawaii without the proper permit. If you are caught trying to bring them in under the radar, they consider it smuggling and will treat you as a dangerous smuggler.