Key Takeaways
• On May 25, 2025, TSA found 26-30 pounds of marijuana in an Oahu couple’s checked luggage at Kona Airport.
• Hawaii permits only medical cannabis; possession of large amounts is a felony punishable by prison and fines.
• TSA reported the drugs, leading to immediate arrest; federal charges may apply for interstate transport.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, an Oahu couple was arrested at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents found nearly 30 pounds of marijuana in their checked luggage. The couple was preparing to board a Southwest Airlines flight to Honolulu when the discovery was made. This incident stands out as one of the largest marijuana seizures at Kona Airport in recent months and raises important questions about Hawaii’s cannabis laws, airport security, and the risks travelers face when transporting illegal substances.
What Happened at Kona Airport?
TSA agents at Kona Airport were conducting routine baggage screening when they detected something suspicious in the couple’s checked bags. Upon further inspection, they found packages containing between 26 and 30 pounds of marijuana. Law enforcement officers were called immediately, and the couple was detained at the airport. Their identities have not been released, but officials confirmed that they were taken into custody on the spot.
The marijuana was hidden in the checked luggage, but the amount was so large that it triggered an alert during the standard security process. This event highlights the role of TSA agents in keeping illegal drugs out of airports and preventing them from being transported between islands or to the mainland United States 🇺🇸.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
The amount of marijuana found in this case is far above what is allowed under Hawaii law. Hawaii is a medical cannabis-only state, which means only people with a valid prescription can legally use marijuana, and even then, only in small amounts. Recreational use remains illegal. The couple’s attempt to move such a large quantity of marijuana through Kona Airport is considered a serious crime, both under state and possibly federal law.
Key Points:
- Date of Incident: May 25, 2025
- Location: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
- Substance Found: 26-30 pounds of marijuana
- Who Found It: TSA agents during baggage screening
- What Happened: Oahu couple arrested, taken into custody
Hawaii’s Marijuana Laws: What You Need to Know
Medical Cannabis Only
Hawaii has allowed medical cannabis since 2000, making it one of the first states to do so. However, the law is strict. Only people with a valid medical cannabis card can possess marijuana, and the amount is limited. Recreational use, sale, or possession of large amounts is still illegal.
Recent Legislative Changes
Hawaii’s laws around cannabis have been slowly changing, but not as quickly as in some other states. Here’s what’s been happening:
- Medical Cannabis Expansion: In April 2025, the Hawaii Senate passed an amended version of House Bill 302. If it becomes law, this bill will let doctors and advanced practice nurses recommend medical cannabis for any condition they think is appropriate. This could make it easier for more people to qualify for medical cannabis, but it does not change the rules for recreational use or large-scale possession.
- No Recreational Legalization Yet: Earlier in 2025, a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis was tabled. This means Hawaii remains the only state with a Democratic government that has not yet allowed adult-use cannabis.
- Record Clearance for Small Amounts: A bill sent to the governor in April 2025 would help clear arrest records for people caught with small amounts of marijuana in the past. However, this would not help people arrested for large-scale possession, like the couple at Kona Airport.
What Counts as a Crime?
Possessing a small amount of marijuana without a medical card is a misdemeanor in Hawaii, but having a large amount—like the 26-30 pounds found at Kona Airport—is a felony. This means the punishment can include years in prison and large fines. If the authorities believe the marijuana was meant for sale or distribution, the charges can be even more serious.
How Do TSA Agents Handle Marijuana at Airports?
TSA agents are responsible for airport security, not drug enforcement. However, if they find illegal drugs during screening, they must report it to local law enforcement. At Kona Airport, TSA agents followed this procedure when they found the marijuana in the couple’s luggage.
What Happens If You’re Caught?
- Immediate Detention: TSA agents will call law enforcement if they find illegal drugs.
- Arrest: Police will detain and question the person or people involved.
- Possible Charges: Depending on the amount and circumstances, charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies.
- Federal Involvement: If the drugs are being transported between islands or to the mainland United States 🇺🇸, federal charges may apply.
For more information on what TSA agents look for and what is allowed in checked and carry-on bags, you can visit the official TSA website.
Marijuana Arrest Trends in Hawaii
Over the past several years, Hawaii has seen a big drop in marijuana-related arrests. According to state data:
- In 2018, there were 965 marijuana arrests (891 for possession, 74 for sales).
- By 2023, this number had fallen to just 167 (159 for possession, 8 for sales).
This is an 83% decrease in marijuana arrests over five years. The drop is likely due to changing attitudes, new laws, and a focus on more serious crimes. However, large-scale cases like the Kona Airport seizure still lead to arrests and prosecution.
Why Are People Still Getting Arrested for Marijuana?
Even though attitudes toward marijuana are changing, and some laws have become less strict, it is still illegal to possess or transport large amounts in Hawaii. The state has not legalized recreational use, and only people with a medical cannabis card can have small amounts. Moving marijuana between islands or out of state is especially risky, as it can bring federal charges.
Key Reasons for Arrests:
- Large Quantities: Having more than the legal limit is a felony.
- Intent to Distribute: If the amount suggests the person planned to sell or share the marijuana, the charges are more serious.
- Airport Security: Airports are high-security areas, and TSA agents are trained to spot illegal substances.
What Are the Legal Consequences?
The couple arrested at Kona Airport could face several charges:
- Felony Possession: Having 26-30 pounds of marijuana is a felony in Hawaii. This can mean years in prison and large fines.
- Intent to Distribute: The amount found suggests the marijuana was not for personal use, which can lead to even harsher penalties.
- Federal Charges: Because the incident happened at an airport and involved possible interstate travel, federal drug laws may apply. Federal penalties for drug trafficking are often much more severe than state penalties.
What Does the Law Say?
Under Hawaii law, anyone caught with more than one pound of marijuana can be charged with a felony. If the amount is over two pounds, or if there is evidence of intent to distribute, the penalties increase. Federal law still classifies marijuana as an illegal drug, even in states where it is legal for medical or recreational use.
How Does This Affect Travelers?
Travelers passing through Kona Airport or any other airport in Hawaii should be aware of the strict rules around marijuana. Even if you have a medical cannabis card, you cannot carry large amounts or try to take marijuana between islands or out of state. TSA agents will report any illegal substances they find, and you could face arrest and prosecution.
Tips for Travelers:
- Do not carry marijuana in your luggage unless you have a valid medical cannabis card and are within the legal limit.
- Never try to transport marijuana between islands or out of state, even if it is legal where you are going.
- Remember that TSA agents are required to report any illegal drugs they find during screening.
The Bigger Picture: Hawaii’s Cannabis Debate
The Kona Airport seizure comes at a time when Hawaii is debating how to handle cannabis. Many people in Hawaii support legalizing recreational marijuana. A 2023 poll found that 58% of adults in Hawaii are in favor of adult-use legalization. However, lawmakers have not yet passed a law to make this happen.
Why Is Legalization Moving Slowly?
- Cautious Lawmakers: Hawaii’s government has taken a careful approach, expanding medical cannabis but not yet allowing recreational use.
- Concerns About Safety: Some officials worry about the impact on public health and safety.
- Federal Law: Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, which complicates things for states that want to legalize it.
What Could Change?
If Hawaii eventually legalizes recreational marijuana, the rules around possession and transport could change. However, until that happens, the current laws remain in place, and large-scale possession or transport is still a serious crime.
What About Clearing Old Marijuana Arrests?
A new bill sent to the governor in April 2025 would help clear arrest records for people caught with small amounts of marijuana in the past. This could help many people who have struggled to find jobs or housing because of old drug charges. However, this bill does not help people arrested for large amounts or for trying to sell marijuana.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Non-Citizens?
For immigrants and non-citizens, being arrested for a drug-related crime can have serious consequences beyond jail time or fines. Drug convictions can lead to deportation, denial of visas, or being barred from re-entering the United States 🇺🇸. Even legal permanent residents (green card holders) can lose their status if convicted of certain drug offenses.
Important Points for Immigrants:
- Drug convictions are taken very seriously in immigration law.
- Even a small amount of marijuana can cause immigration problems.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen and are arrested for a drug offense, you should speak to an immigration lawyer right away.
For more information about how drug convictions affect immigration status, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) page on criminal offenses.
What Should You Do If You’re Arrested at an Airport?
If you are arrested at Kona Airport or any other airport for possession of marijuana, it is important to:
- Stay calm and cooperate with TSA agents and law enforcement.
- Ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, ask to speak to an immigration lawyer.
- Do not sign any documents or make any statements without legal advice.
The Role of TSA Agents in Drug Enforcement
TSA agents are not police officers, but they play a key role in airport security. Their main job is to keep travelers safe by screening for dangerous items. However, if they find illegal drugs, they must report it to law enforcement. This is what happened at Kona Airport when the agents found marijuana in the couple’s luggage.
What Can TSA Agents Search?
- Checked Luggage: All checked bags are screened for explosives and illegal items.
- Carry-On Bags: These are also screened, usually by X-ray machines.
- Random Checks: TSA agents can select bags or passengers for extra screening at any time.
If you are caught with illegal drugs, TSA agents will not arrest you themselves, but they will call the police, who will handle the arrest and any charges.
What’s Next for Hawaii’s Cannabis Laws?
Hawaii is likely to continue debating cannabis laws in the coming years. The state may expand medical cannabis access, clear more old records, or even legalize recreational use. However, until the laws change, travelers and residents must follow the current rules.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Kona Airport marijuana seizure is a reminder that, while attitudes toward cannabis are changing, the law is still strict in Hawaii. Large-scale possession and transport remain serious crimes, especially at airports.
Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- Do not attempt to carry marijuana through Kona Airport or any other airport in Hawaii unless you have a valid medical cannabis card and are within the legal limit.
- Never try to transport marijuana between islands or out of state, even if it is legal where you are going.
- Remember that TSA agents are required to report illegal drugs to law enforcement.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, be aware that any drug arrest can have serious immigration consequences.
- Stay informed about Hawaii’s changing cannabis laws, but always follow the current rules.
For the latest updates on Hawaii’s cannabis laws and airport security procedures, check official sources such as the Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program.
By staying aware of the law and making smart choices, travelers can avoid serious legal trouble and protect their future—whether they are residents, visitors, or immigrants hoping to make Hawaii their home.
Learn Today
TSA → Transportation Security Administration responsible for airport security and screening of passengers and luggage.
Felony → A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or significant fines.
Medical Cannabis → Marijuana legally used only with a doctor’s prescription for specific medical conditions.
Interstate Transport → Moving goods or substances across state lines, which can trigger federal laws and penalties.
Possession → The act of having or controlling illegal substances, which can lead to criminal charges.
This Article in a Nutshell
On May 25, 2025, TSA agents at Kona Airport arrested an Oahu couple after finding nearly 30 pounds of marijuana in their checked bags, highlighting strict Hawaiian cannabis laws and airport security risks for transporting illegal drugs between islands or states.
— By VisaVerge.com
