Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
(Honolulu Airport - HNL)
The Pass and ID Office at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is responsible for issuing and managing the official security credentials that allow authorized individuals and vehicles access to secure, restricted, and operational areas of the airport. Operating under the authority of the Hawaii Department of Transportation – Airports Division (HDOT-A) and in full compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, the office plays a vital role in maintaining aviation security, operational safety, and federal compliance at Hawaiʻi’s largest and busiest airport.
All personnel who work in non-public, operational, or secure airport zones — including airline staff, contractors, vendors, maintenance crews, and support personnel — must obtain proper credentials through the Pass and ID Office before entering restricted areas.
1. Airport Security Badges
Security badges are mandatory for individuals requiring access to non-public areas of the airport. Badge types vary according to access needs and job duties. Examples include:
• Sterile Area Access – For personnel working beyond TSA checkpoints.
• Ramp and Airfield Access – For ground operations, fueling, cargo, and baggage handling personnel.
• SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) Badges – For personnel working around aircraft movement and other high-security zones.
All badge applicants must complete mandatory background checks and prescribed TSA-regulated training.
2. Temporary Access Credentials
Temporary passes may be issued for short-term or limited-access purposes, such as:
• Contractors performing time-specific work on airport property
• Vendors making scheduled, authorized deliveries
• Visitors attending approved meetings in secure operational zones
Access types may include:
• Single-Day Access Passes
• Escort-Required Passes, requiring a credentialed sponsor to accompany the visitor at all times
3. Vehicle Access Permits
Vehicles operating in restricted airside areas — such as ground service equipment, fuel trucks, and airport maintenance vehicles — must display active vehicle permits issued by the Pass and ID Office. Permits must be visible at all times when operating in secured zones.
4. Tenant and Vendor Badges
All businesses and organizations operating at HNL — including airline partners, concessions, custodial contractors, retail vendors, cargo operations, and technical support services — must ensure staff maintain valid airport-issued identification. Badge privileges are restricted to employment-authorized zones and require official sponsorship.
5. Visitor & Special Access Passes
These may be issued for approved purposes such as:
• Media visits with advance authorization
• Government or diplomatic visits
• Educational and academic tours (security approval required)
Visitor access is temporary and subject to escort when applicable.
To obtain any badge or access credential, the following steps are required:
1. Sponsorship — Only individuals affiliated with an approved employer operating at HNL may apply.
2. Application Submission — Completed forms must include valid government-issued identification and supporting documentation.
3. Security Screening — A TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA) and fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) are required for most badge types.
4. Training — Badge applicants must complete security and airport-safety training.
5. Badge Issuance — Upon approval, applicants are notified to pick up their badge in person.
Badges must be visibly displayed at all times in secure airport areas. Violations may result in badge revocation.
Pass and ID Office – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
• Located within the Terminal operations area near Airport Operations and the Airport Fire Station
• Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on state holidays)
• Appointments are required for fingerprinting, badge applications, renewals, and replacements
Walk-ins are generally not accepted due to security compliance requirements.
• Badge Renewals — Badgeholders must renew before expiration to maintain access privileges.
• Lost / Stolen Badges — Must be reported immediately to Airport Operations and the Pass and ID Office.
• Badge Deactivation — Employers must notify the Pass and ID Office when an employee is terminated, suspended, transferred, or no longer requires airport access.
The Pass and ID Office at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport ensures that only vetted, trained, and authorized individuals and vehicles gain entry into secure operational airport areas. Through strict identification control, background screening, and compliance with TSA federal security standards, the office supports a safe and efficient working environment for airport personnel, contractors, tenants, and travelers.