New restroom facilities and a new Panda Express restaurant in Terminal 1 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport were unveiled on Wednesday. The improvements are part of an ongoing effort to collaborate with partners to enhance the traveler's experience with more to come.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation, in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, unveiled new restrooms that were constructed by the airlines as part of an agreement that involved the relocation of the central Transportation Security Administration checkpoint in 2022 — now checkpoint 1B on the terminal’s makai side. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines has committed to constructing a new breakroom for TSA employees for a total investment of $14 million.
“This project is more than just a construction milestone, it’s a testament to the power of partnership,” said Hawaiian Airlines Managing Director for Airport Operations Monica Kobayashi in a release. “By working together, Hawaiian Airlines and the HDOT were able to pool resources, share expertise and deliver a project that benefits everyone who passes through this terminal. It’s a model of collaboration that allows us to move faster, work smarter and achieve more than we could alone.”
HDOT and food and beverage concessionaire HMSHost also celebrated the grand opening and blessing of the first of two new Panda Express restaurants. Located in Terminal 1, Panda Express had its soft opening on May 27 and has been serving its popular American Chinese menu items. A second Panda Express in the Terminal 2 food court will open in August. HMSHost is also upgrading furniture at its food and beverage outlets in Terminal 1 and will open Waialua Café and Bar in the Mauka Terminal by the end of the year.
“We are extremely excited to bring our travelers a well-recognized and sought-after brand in Panda Express, delivering flavors that are a combination of Chinese roots with an American taste, serving dishes that are authentically American Chinese,” said Chris Kadohiro, director of operations for HMSHost. “The addition of Panda Express in the interisland terminal, as well as the Terminal 2 location coming in August, will allow us to increase passenger satisfaction and provide them great comfort food as they travel.”
Another collaboration between HDOT and HMSHost will bring other new dining experiences to HNL featuring popular local chefs and restauranteurs. Details will be provided as plans are finalized.
HDOT Director Ed Sniffen said, “Our commitment to modernizing airport facilities, upgrading infrastructure and improving operational efficiencies depends on many outstanding partners like Hawaiian Airlines and HMSHost who are also dedicated to making Hawaii airports inviting and comforting for travelers. These projects are important components that add to the overall experience for residents and visitors who use our airports.”
