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.