The Hawaii Department of Transportation will receive $5,506,265 to rehabilitate runway pavement, repair lighting and improve terminal buildings at the Honolulu International Airport, the Kona International Airport at Keahole, and the Lihue Airport, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa announced today.
The money comes through a series of grants administered by the Federal Aviation Administration
The largest grant, $2,276,385, will be used to rehabilitate runway 17/35 at the Kona International Airport at Keahole by removing debris and strengthening the pavement.
“The strength of Hawaii’s economy is directly linked to our visitor industry and we must to everything we can to ensure safe and expedient air travel for our residents and visitors from around the world,” said Senator Inouye. “I am very pleased that these funds will help improve our air travel infrastructure and it is my hope that the federal government continues to put people to work by supporting our visitor industry through similar investments.”
“Modern, well-functioning airports are critically important in our island state where residents and businesses depend on air travel. Regular investments are needed to maintain and improve this infrastructure, and I am pleased to see the U.S. Department of Transportation’s continued commitment to ensuring safe travel in Hawaii,” said Senator Akaka.
“Safe and reliable air transportation is critical to our state’s economy. These types of projects are a good investment in Hawaii’s infrastructure and Hawaii’s people. These grants will not only provide long-term benefits by making our airports safer, but will also put members of our hard-hit construction industry back to work,” said Congresswoman Hirono, Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Because we are an island state, safe air travel is vital to our economy, our residents, and our visitors. These grants will help improve and maintain the infrastructure at Honolulu International Airport – and I am pleased the U.S. Department of Transportation continues to recognize how important these types of projects are for Hawaii,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa.
