MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI Installation Guide

Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii maintains key operations, training, and support facilities and provides services that are essential for the readiness and global projection of ground combat forces and aviation units, and the well-being, morale, and safety of military personnel, their families, and the civilian workforce.

MCB Hawaii manages the installations and natural resources located on a total of 4,500 acres throughout the island of Oahu, including Camp Smith, Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Manana Family Housing Area, Pearl City Warehouse Annex, and Puuoloa Range Complex.

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Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe Bay is located on Oahu's Mokapu Peninsula.  There are approximately 16,000 Marines, Sailors, family members and civilian employees living and working on MCBH.

Mokapu Peninsula has a quite of military history.  In 1918, the eastern shore of the peninsula, named Fort Hase, was commissioned and was then known as the Kuwaahoe Military Reservation. Army artillery moved into the area in response to World War I.

In 1939, the Navy began a small seaplane base.  Upon its completion, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe was created and its role was expanded to include the administration of the Kaneohe Bay Naval Defense Sea Area.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked.  However, it's a little known fact the Japanese first attacked Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay minutes prior to Pearl Harbor.

Then in 1949, the Navy relocated to Naval Air Station Barbers Point.

In 1951, the Marines assumed control of the former naval air station since it seemed to be an ideal site for a combined air-ground team.

Then on Jan. 15, 1952, Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay was commissioned.

Present day MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay is home to III Marine Expeditionary Forces Hawaii, Marine Aircraft Group-24, 3rd Radio Battalion, the Marine Forces Pacific Band, 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, the U.S. Navy's Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, Light Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron 37 and Fleet Logistics Support Wing Detachment, Hawaii.

MCBH is in an ideal position in the Pacific for a strategic deployment to the Western Pacific.

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DIRECTIONS TO MCBH FROM THE AIRPORT:
To reach MCBH, Kaneohe Bay from the Honolulu International Airport take the H-1 Freeway West (H1 Waianae) as you're departing from the Honolulu International Airport.  Proceed on H-1 West, then connect on to the H-3 East freeway to Kaneohe.  Proceed on H-3 until you reach the main gate of MCBH, Kaneohe Bay.

It's recommended to use the USO services (located at the arrival section between "E" & "F" baggage claim area) to contact your gaining command and/or request for transportation.

There is no public transportation directly to MCBH.  Taxi/cab fares are approximately $35.00 - $45.00 and are reimbursable travel expensive.

PRE-ARRIVAL:

1) CONTACT THE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP) at your current duty station to assist with outbound matters and maximize your moving options by utilizing the RAP programs and resources, which may include:

PCS or Smooth Move Workshop
Sponsorship Assistance
One-on-one counseling for pre- and post moves
Welcome Aboard Package request
Relocation Library
Computers with Internet service

2) WELCOME ABOARD PACKAGE (WAP)
Your gaining command is responsible for mailing out a Wap to you since both the Wap and the Sponsorship program are married up as a single inbound service.

3) SPONSORSHIP ASSISTANCE
Sponsorship assistance is mandatory for Marines (per MCO 1320.11E) and highly recommended for all service members.  Requests may be placed directly to the gaining command (see Major Unit Listings for telephone numbers).

4) MANDATORY PET QUARANTINE IS A STATE LAW!
Hawaii is a rabies-free state.  It is important that we maintain that status.  The introduction of rabies would have dire circumstances, not only for public health, but would have an adverse affect on Hawaii's unique eco-system, tourism, as well as local lifestyle.  To prevent rabies from entering the state, the current law requires that dogs, cats and carnivores complete the rabies quarantine. The law also requires the users of the quarantine facility to pay for this program.

These programs and fees are:
The direct release program costs $165 per pet.
The 5-day-or-less quarantine program costs $224 per pet.
The 30-day quarantine program costs $655 per pet.
The 120-day quarantine program costs $1,080 per pet.

There are no discounts for multiple pets.  However, for active duty military members who incur mandatory quarantine expenses for their dogs or cats quarantined due to a PCS move may be eligible for a reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Defense up to $550 per household (not per pet).

Families planning to bring their pets to Hawaii are highly encouraged to qualify for the 5 day or less early release from quarantine.  The 5-day or less early release depends on several pre-arrival conditions being met and these are outlined in the Hawaii State Agriculture Website in the contact overview.

All steps must be completed in order to qualify for this program.  If the required steps are not met, pets will undergo either the 30-day or 120-day quarantine.

To reach the Hawaii State Quarantine Office, please click on the "contacts/links" feature on this page.

5) SINGLE OR UNACCOMPANIED BILLETING
The Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) Division oversees the billeting for single or unaccompanied personnel. Billeting arrangements are as follows:

E-5's and below are housed at the Unit's Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ).
E-6 to E-9 must contact the Transient SNCO Quarters at (808) 257-2409 or DSN 457-2409.
Officers must make reservations at the Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ), (808) 257-2409 or DSN 457-2409.

6) TEMPORARY LODGING FOR FAMILIES
The government lodging facility located on MCBH is called Lodge on Kaneohe Bay.  It's required to be used if available.  If there are no rooms available, a Statement of Non-Availability may be issued.  Please see the TLA section for more information about the Statement of Non-Availability and the TLA program.  (see Temp Lodging for more info)

The Lodge on Kaneohe Bay
(808) 254-2806; fax: (808) 254-2716
Mon-Fri: 0600-2000
Sat & Sun: 0800-1700

7) TEMPORARY LODGING ALLOWANCE (TLA)
TLA is an overseas travel allowance to partially cover lodging costs and meals for families on PCS orders awaiting permanent housing.  TLA is processed as a reimbursement and is not granted automatically or paid in advanced.  It's highly recommended to save for at least 12 days worth of lodging and meals since these expenses will be expected upon arrival.  To initiate TLA reimbursement promptly, it's very important to report into the new command.  And then check into the TLA and Housing Office within 72 hours (or three working days) of arrival.  For additional information, call the respective phone numbers below:

For USMC: (808) 257-1257 x205/263/212
DSN: 457-8827/10/11 x205/263/212

For USN: (808) 257-0673/5
DSN: 457-0673/5

8) DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE (DLA)
Request DLA upon checking in to your gaining command.  This is free money from the government for out of the ordinary expenses incurred from a PCS move.  It's not taxable or repaid back like an advance.  DLA is a travel entitlement to partially reimburse a member, with or without dependents, for the expenses incurred in relocating the member's household on a PCS, housing moves ordered for the Government's convenience.  However, keep in mind that DLA is intended to partially reimburse relocation expenses not otherwise reimbursed and probably will not reimburse all of your relocation expenses.

9) COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (COLA)
COLA is an allowance paid to service members stationed in high-cost areas overseas (including Alaska and Hawaii). COLA helps maintain purchasing power so you can purchase about the same goods and services overseas as in the United States.  COLA is based on the service member's rank and years of service.

10) PARADISE IS EXPENSIVE
Budgeting is HIGHLY recommended.  The three most visible areas are homes, gas, and food. Groceries purchased off base rather than at the commissary may cost more than 45%.

11) FAMILY HOUSING DEPARTMENT
An advanced housing application may be placed to the Housing Office on Kbay prior to arriving.  However, the service member must report in to their gaining command and then check in with the housing office for the application to become effective.  An appointment is highly recommended. For more information see the HOUSING Section.

12) LENDING LOCKER SERVICE
The Lending Locker Service is available to transitioning service members, single or married; with PCS order assignment to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  This service provides basic household items such as pots and pans, dishes, linens, infant items, and small appliances on a temporary basis.  This service requires a copy of PCS orders and an appointment.  For more information, see the Relocation Section.

13) VEHICLE MATTERS
Currently, only one (1) vehicle can be shipped to Hawaii at the government's expense per PCS orders and it may take several weeks for it to arrive.  Car rental is NOT REIMBURSABLE travel expense.

For a second vehicle shipment option from ConUS to Hawaii, there's Opportune Lift (OpLift).  This is a Navy program similar to the Space Available (Space A) program in which a personal property may be shipped on a Navy vessel for a small fee or no cost.  For more information about OpLift to Hawaii, please see the information below:

Opportune Lift (OpLift)
San Diego, CA (ComNavSurForPac)
(619) 437-2991; Dsn: 577-2991
Email: N41M12CNSP.Navy.mil
Mon-Fri: 0730-1530

14) VEHICLE REGISTERATION
ALL CARS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII WITHIN 30 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE CAR IS PICKED UP. Non-residents may choose to keep an out of state license plates until they expire.  However, the vehicle must be registered in order to get a Hawaii vehicle permit sticker.  There are penalties for not registering your vehicles or obtain an out-of-state permit within 30 calendar days after the vehicle is picked up.

Required items when registering for Hawaii plates:
1. Current Registration
2. Certificate of Ownership (title) unless held by lien holder.  A Power of Attorney (POA) may be needed if the name of the person registering the vehicle is not on the title.
3. Hawaii No-Fault Insurance Card - Proof of insurance must be presented to get a safety inspection.  All drivers are required to have Hawaii No-Fault Insurance.  To get Hawaii No-Fault insurance you must obtain a Hawaii abstract of Traffic Record, even though you just arrived.  An abstract may be obtained at District Court Office for a small fee per person.  The nearest office is located at 46-201 Kahuhipa St in Kaneohe.  They are open from 0745-1630, Monday through Friday.
4. Hawaii State Vehicle Safety Inspection Certificate (yellow copy)
5. Bill of Lading (if the car was shipped)
6. Certificate of Non-Residency, DF-L-50 (available at the Pass and ID house at the main gate)

LEASED CARS - You must have:
a. A Power of Attorney from the leasing firm authorizing the service member (by name) to register the car in the State of Hawaii. The POA must specify the vehicle identification number (VIN).  Hawaii DOES NOT WAIVER the registration fee on LEASED CARS.
b. To get a base decal for a LEASED CAR, the lease agreement must have the service member's name and the car VIN on it and a copy of the lease agreement to get a base decal.

15) GUN IMPORTATION
ALL FIREARMS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THEIR ARRIVAL.  Upon registration, you are required to present your unloaded weapon preferably carried safely in a bag/case, or wrapped up in something.  When registering, you must present valid identification (military, state, or driver's license).  Foreign-born citizens are required to show proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization, or passport).  For more information, contact Monday-Friday from 0745-1600:

Honolulu Police Department
Firearms Registration Division
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI  96813
(808) 529-3371

16) FORWARDING MAIL
Contact your sponsor or gaining command and request the command's official mailing address.  Another option - The Message Center next to the MCX on Kbay provides a mailbox rental service for a small monthly fee.  For more information call the Message Center at (808) 254-3805.

YOU'VE ARRIVED!

1) UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION (USO) LOUNGE
Located between baggage claim E & F of the arrival section.
If you encounter any problems upon arrival, seek out the assistance of the United Services Organization or better known just as the USO.  They are located in the Honolulu International Airport, lower level (arrival area), between baggage claim areas E and F.  The USO staff may request a duty driver for you, or assist you contacting the gaining command.

2) CHECK INTO YOUR NEW UNIT/COMMAND IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL.  Many entitlements and services require command endorsements prior to initiating them.  Examples are DLA request, TLA reimbursements, base housing application, etc...

3) THE NEW ARRIVALS ORIENTATION (NAO) OR BASE WELCOME BRIEF is mandatory for all uniformed personnel (Navy included) assigned to base organizations, as well III MEF units.  Navy personnel assigned to Navy tenant commands are strongly encouraged to attend.  This program is held on the 1st Thursday of every month at the MCBH base theater starting at 0730-1130.  Spouses are welcomed.  This orientation provides an overview of the programs and services available to all new personnel, single and married.  The format is designed to disseminate information relating to mission readiness, base's commitment to safety and well-being, and the quality of life services.