Flying internationally with the military we've had to go through TSA inspections and pretty much the same rules apply from what I've seen. No knive's, liquids, and only certain types of lighters. Both times I've gone through the inspections I've had tobacco with me. Last time I flew out here I had a pound of Prince Albert, and various bags of other brands, along with pipe cleaners, and about 6-7 pipes. This time I wanted to travel a bit lighter with a smaller backpack I only carried 2 pipes, and a few bags with cleaners and a lighter. I didn't have an issue either time leaving the US or coming back from last time. I have yet to come back from this trip and have a pound of Crown Achievement with a few bags. If it isn't posted to the TSA web page they can't really stop you.
Case in point I flew from Hawaii to Memphis with my wife and daughter. We really enjoy bowling and decided to carry our bags with us. We already had check baggage and I don't have a travel case for our gear. So I checked the website and bowling balls are not on the "Not Allowed List". So I carried my two 16lbs balls and shoes in my roller bag and my wife carried her 10lb and daughters 6lb balls with shoes in her roller bag. Both can either fit in the over head or under the seat in front without any issues. We have done it before no issues other than getting them swiped for the bomb test. No problem with me on that. This time we go through we get the bomb swipe and the guys says they are clear but we can not carry them on due to them being able to be used as weapons. I asked him if they are on the TSA list of banned items, he didn't know so I showed him they are not, and he can't stop me. In the end I had his manager over there due to his delay almost costing us a flight. His manager explained to him there is no issue with the Bowling Balls, as just about any thing can be used as a weapon.
If you go through and a guy has been having a bad day he may try to stop you from doing it. If the guy is doing his job right shouldn't be an issue. However that being said depends on what you mean by bulk, you are only allowed to hand carry a certain amount of "goods" from one country to another. That falls underneath customs of those countries. You have to claim what fruit you are carrying from the mainland to Hawaii and vise versa. Good luck and let us know how your trip goes.
