NEW CARGO FACILITY AT HILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BREAKS GROUND

The state broke ground today on a new Hold Cargo and Light Industrial Building at Hilo International Airport.  The 60,000 square-foot, steel-framed building will be used to accommodate delivery and transport of goods into Hilo.

A ground breaking ceremony was held today for a new cargo faciity in Hilo. Photo Courtesy: Hawaii State Department of Transportation.

State officials with the Department of Transportation say the project also includes the construction of a 50,000 square-yard apron as well as taxiways designed to support wide-body cargo aircraft.

The total cost for this two-phase project is approximately $30 million.  Phase I will include construction of the air carrier apron at a cost of $15 million, $10 million of which is federally-funded.  The second phase involves the construction of the cargo building and a parking lot at a cost of $15 million in state airport funds.

When completed, the new cargo building will be closer to the main terminal and will allow for the consolidation of all cargo operations under one roof.  DOT officials say the move will increase the efficiency of airline operations.

The existing cargo facility will then be utilized as a future heliport.  Construction of both project phases by contractor Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. is anticipated for completion in November 2011.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)