Kahului Airport Receives Funds to Re-Pave Part of Runway

Satellite image of Kahului Airport. Image obtained from Google Maps.

By Rodney S. Yap

Maui’s Kahului Airport will benefit from Governor Neil Abercrombie’s release of more than $21.8 million in capital improvement projects (CIP) Thursday, May 30, for state airports and highways.

Projects include allocation of funds for priority projects identified by members of the state Legislature.

Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs J. Kalani English issued this statement in response to the Governor’s release of funds:

Sen. J. Kalani English. Courtesy file photo.

“I am very pleased that Governor Abercrombie has released funds identified by the Legislature as key projects for enhancing the safety, capacity and usability of our airports and highways statewide,” said Senator English.

“The state of Hawaii’s transportation infrastructure is what connects us, bringing together our ohana, our local businesses and our travel industry. These appropriations represent new construction jobs and much needed improvements to our roads and airports.”

The governor also announced that the Kahului Airport will be receiving $4.7 million in CIP funding. This funding will include construction for repaving a portion of Runway 2-20 to comply with applicable FAA requirements.

“Construction and repaving of the Kahului Airport Runway 2-20 has been long-overdue,” said Senator English, who represents District 7 (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe). “I’m extremely thankful that the governor has approved much needed funding so that the airport can comply with FAA requirements.”

Allotment of funds for the following priority projects on Maui, identified by members of the state Legislature, has been approved by the governor:

$4,750,000 – Kahului Airport, Maui – Construction for repaving a portion of Runway 2-20 to comply with applicable FAA requirements (Link to photo).

$1,250,000 – Kahului Airport, Maui – Planning funds to prepare technical studies and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to proposed Runway 2-20 improvements.

$100,000 – Kapalua Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station Expansion, Maui – Additional construction to complete the station expansion with the addition of a two-bay garage and storage structure.