The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $30.6 million to the Hawaii Department of Transportation for improvements to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Kahului Airport.

What You Need To Know

  • The awards are part of $970 million in grants for fiscal year 2024 included in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

  • Some $22 million will be directed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for concrete spalling repairs to the Terminal 2 roadway for the Wiki Wiki Shuttle, expansion of passenger sidewalks and improvements to lighting and electrical systems at the Diamond Head Concourse

  • The other $8.6 million will go to Kahului Airport for the construction of a new two-story security screening checkpoint facility at the South TSA Checkpoint

  • Last fiscal year, the FAA awarded HDOT $10 million for Phase 1 of the HNL Terminal 2 roadway project, and $1.2 million to replace the airport fire alarm system at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole

The awards are part of $970 million in grants for fiscal year 2024 included in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“We appreciate the support of the Biden Administration, the FAA, and our congressional delegation to dedicate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds toward our ongoing efforts to modernize Hawaii’s airports,” said state transportation director Ed Sniffen. “This investment in our airports will allow us to continue to improve operational efficiencies, prioritize safety, security and accessibility, and enhance the overall airport experience for visitors and residents.”

Some $22 million will be directed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport for concrete spalling repairs to the Terminal 2 roadway for the Wiki Wiki Shuttle, expansion of passenger sidewalks and improvements to lighting and electrical systems at the Diamond Head Concourse.

The other $8.6 million will go to Kahului Airport for the construction of a new two-story security screening checkpoint facility at the South TSA Checkpoint. The facility will include six new TSA screening lanes and a pedestrian bridge over the existing service road will connect the new checkpoint facility to Hold Room A.

Last fiscal year, the FAA awarded HDOT $10 million for Phase 1 of the HNL Terminal 2 roadway project, and $1.2 million to replace the airport fire alarm system at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, lauded the appropriation.

“This new federal funding will support necessary upgrades at Honolulu and Kahului airports that will make it easier and faster for passengers to get through the airport and to their final destination,” Schatz said.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.