Molokai Gets $3 Million For Airport Renovations

By Wendy Osher

Airport runway photo by Wendy Osher.

More than $3 million in funds will go towards runway repairs at Molokai Airport.

The funding was announced today by the Hawai’i Congressional Delegation, and will be administered by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The $3,029,755 grant on Molokai will be used to refurbish the Airport’s A and B taxiways.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono said the Molokai improvements will be beneficial for the island which, “depends on air travel for essential services such as specialized medical care or emergency treatment.”

Hirono said the unique needs of Molokai residents were heard firsthand during a visit made by Secretary Ray LaHood to the islands recently.

The Molokai funds are part of a larger $4.2 million grant appropriation that also includes $1.2 million for the Honolulu International Airport.

The Honolulu funds will be used to finish renovations to the third level of the Ewa concourse in the main terminal building.

Hirono, who serves as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said, “Refurbishing two of the airport’s taxiways will help ensure safe flying to and from Kaunakakai while also supporting jobs.”

Senator Daniel K. Inouye who was among those who joined in the announcement said, “As an island archipelago situated in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii is dependent on safe and reliable air service… I am very pleased that the federal government understands the important role that safe and expedient air travel plays in Hawaii and continues to invest in its upkeep and expansion,” he said.

Fellow US Sen. Daniel Akaka agreed saying, “Honolulu International Airport is our state’s primary gateway for travelers arriving from abroad and residents visiting the world, and Molokai Airport serves as a lifeline connecting the friendly isle with health care and many other necessities.”

Also joining in the announcement today was Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.