Secretary Mineta announces $23.3 million in grants to five airports

Busy Hawaiian airports will get $23.3 million in federal grants to expand capacity and enhance safety at airports throughout Hawaii, according to an announcement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

“These grants will help Hawaii’s airports maintain the highest standards of safety while they expand their capacity to prepare for future increases in air traffic,” Secretary Mineta said.

The grants are targeted for projects at five airports located throughout the islands. The projects include improving and remodeling passenger terminals as well as installing new baggage information display systems. The improvements will allow Hawaiian airports to continue to serve passengers efficiently as air traffic grows, Mineta said. Other funds will improve airfield lighting systems and preserve the structural integrity of taxiways. The funds come from the Airport Improvement Program managed by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration.

The need for expanded capacity is illustrated by growth in traffic at Hawaii’s airports, he added. Last year, traffic at airports throughout the state was approaching pre-9/11 totals with 15.1 million passenger boardings, according to Mineta.

Honolulu International Airport will receive a total of $13.7 million. Grants totaling $4.5 million will be used to rehabilitate six taxiways. A $4.3 million grant will be used to improve the terminal building by replacing and upgrading the electrical distribution system, and to replace and improve the road lighting system. A $2.5 million grant will be used to update the airport master plan and conduct a noise compatibility study. The airport also will receive $1.5 million to improve the terminal building’s air conditioning system, and $900,000 to repair the roof over two terminal lobbies.

Hilo International Airport will receive $3.2 million to enhance safety by rehabilitating two taxiways, as well as $2 million to improve the terminal building by replacing and upgrading its electrical distribution system.

Kahului Airport in Maui will receive grants totaling $3.3 million. An $810,000 grant will enhance safety of aircraft operations by replacing and improving the airfield lighting and signage system. An additional award of $2.5 million will be used to improve the terminal building by remodeling the main ticket lobby, installing a new baggage information display system on five carousels, and relocating two flight information display system monitors.

Kona International Airport on the island of Hawaii will receive $558,196 to improve the airfield lighting and signage system and roadway pavement condition. In addition, Lanai Airport in Maui will receive $484,500 to replace and improve the airfield lighting and signage system.

FMI: www.dot.gov