Colonel (Ret.) Bruce Jenkins, Author at TLAHawaii

Hawaii Culture & Etiquette 101: A Respectful Start to Your PCS

The “aloha spirit” isn’t just a greeting — it’s a set of values Hawaii takes seriously enough to write into state law, and understanding it is the single best way to start your PCS to Hawaii on the right foot. Below is a plain-language...

Housing Office & Non-Availability Letters: TLA Prep for Your Hawaii PCS

Housing, Moving to Hawaii

If you have PCS orders to Hawaii, your housing office and finance office are the two offices that matter most for Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) — the housing office helps confirm you don’t have available on-base lodging and guides you through required...

TLA Basics: What Service Members PCSing to Hawaii Need to Know

Housing, Moving to Hawaii

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is a Department of Defense travel entitlement that helps offset — not necessarily fully cover — the cost of temporary lodging (and sometimes meals) when you PCS overseas, including to Hawaii. The specific amount, duration, and...

Military Pet Relocation Made Simple: Your 2026 Guide to Moving With Pets

Moving to Hawaii

The Department of Defense has made pet relocation more affordable for military families with a new transportation allowance. Starting January 1, 2024, you can get money back for moving one dog or cat during your permanent change of station (PCS). The policy offers up...

Hidden Costs of a Hawaii PCS Nobody Warns You About (2026)

Moving to Hawaii

You got orders to Hawaii. Congratulations — it really is an incredible assignment. But somewhere between the excitement and the packing, reality hits: Hawaii is expensive in ways most service members never see coming. Yes, you’ll receive BAH, COLA, and TLA to...