Planning Your Move

This book is a joint effort of the armed forces stationed on Hawaii, designed to provide you with the information you need to know prior to and after you arrive on island that will help make your transfer and stay here as pleasant and smooth as possible.

Sponsors
The Military Installations website is very essential to assist you in "Planning Your Move" at http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil. The key to a smooth transition is your sponsor, who in turn can help arrange your TLA accommodations, provide transportation from the airport, check you in to your new command and provide you with general information about the community and on-station facilities well in advance of your move. Ensure you contact your sponsor as soon as possible before leaving for Hawaii. If you do not receive a sponsor, visit http://www.military installations.dod.mil. Other sources of information include your local Military and Family Support Center at your current command. You may also visit the JBPHH website at http://www.cnic.navy.mil/pearlharbor-hickam. If you do not receive your "Welcome Aboard" package, call Military and Family Support Center, Pearl Harbor, you can call (808) 474-1999 or DSN: (315) 474-1999.

Hotel Reservations
It is advisable to make reservations well in advance. Your sponsor can help you, although you will be required to finalize your reservation with the hotel of your choice. Hotel accommodations are usually plentiful except during the high tourist seasons (Dec. through Mar. and May through Aug.), so make your reservations early. Accommodations must be Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) approved.

Temporary Lodging Allowance
TLA is an allowance to help offset the cost of living in hotels during your PCS move. TLA is based on the per diem rate and paid in 10-day increments. TLA is not paid in advance, but is paid after filing a completed claim with receipts and endorsements. It's advisable to have at least $1,500 in traveler's checks to meet immediate off-base living expenses. TLA is authorized for all command sponsored military personnel arriving on Permanent Change of Station orders pending availability of Privatized Family Housing, or pending completion of permanent living arrangements. TLA commences the date your PCS orders are endorsed as having reported aboard. It is imperative that you have your orders endorsed with the time and date reported as soon as possible after arriving on island. You will not be reimbursed for any days of temporary lodging prior to the report date endorsed on your orders.

Temporary Lodging
Navy Lodge: Since 1969, Navy Lodges have been providing clean, comfortable and affordable lodging in "The Spirit of Hospitality" to active duty Navy personnel, retirees, reservists and their families. Navy Lodge Hawaii upholds these high standards in their 150 air-conditioned suites and rooms at Ford Island. Located at the corner of Saratoga Boulevard and Yorktown Boulevard, your home away from home will include amenities such as free local telephone calls, free satellite TV with free HBO, hair dryer, free high speed Internet in guest rooms and a kitchenette. For reservations, call (800) NAVY-INN or visit http://www.navy-lodge.com.

Advanced Application for Housing
Prior to arriving on island, individuals with family members should contact the Navy Family Housing Office and schedule an appointment. Additionally, an advanced housing application should be faxed or mailed, along with a copy of orders and service record Page 2 (dependent verification), to (808) 474-1822.

Unaccompanied Housing
Hawaii Regional Unaccompanied Housing (UH) manager and operates all Navy and Air Force Unaccompanied Housing on the island of Oahu. This includes facilities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wahiawa Annex, and Hale Kela Moku Housing in Marine Corps Base Hawaii. With more than 5,800 beds located in 63 facilities, Hawaii Regional UH is one of the Navy's largest lodging operations for unaccompanied and visiting DoD personnel in the Pacific. For single Sailors (E4 and above) and PCSing in, please contact Unaccompanied Housing Admin at (808) 473-1203 for information on obtaining a Statement of Non-Availability.

Shipment of Household Goods
Accompanied members are authorized to ship their full weight allowance, but should be advised that homes in Hawaii, both on and off base, may be small compared to the U.S. mainland.

Large Appliances
All privatized Navy family housing units are equipped with a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Privatized Marine Corps family housing does not automatically have washer and dryers provided; advance planning and coordination for full tour support is strongly recommended. Your yard care responsibility in privatized Navy family housing is limited to only the small privacy fenced areas; a weed-eater is helpful, but a lawn mower isn't essential.

Unaccompanied Shipment
You are authorized an unaccompanied baggage shipment. This shipment should be limited to clothing, linens, dishes, towels, cooking utensils and other house keeping items. You may also ship cribs, playpens, baby carriages and articles necessary for the immediate care of your children. Small radios, portable televisions, sewing machines and small appliances may also be shipped. Please visit http://www.move.mil to know more about household goods shipments.

Automobile Shipments
Each service member is authorized to ship one privately owned vehicle at government expense. Check with your current Household Goods Officer for current information regarding shipping times and locations. You must have permission from the lien holder to transport the vehicle to Hawaii. If the vehicle is co-registered, you must also show that person's permission to ship the vehicle. If you are shipping a privately owned vehicle (POV) it will require approximately 60 days from the east coast or 21 days from the West Coast to reach Oahu. All personal vehicles must be safety inspected and registered within ten days after arrival on the island.