$6.7 M in Airport Upgrades to Support Booming Visitor Industry

Honolulu International Airport. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

US Senator Mazie Hirono today announced $6.7 million in federal funds for upgrades at Honolulu International Airport.

“Today’s federal investment will help the airport make critical upgrades as the state continues to see growing numbers of international and domestic visitors,” said Hirono in a press release.

“Since tourism is our state’s number one industry, anything we can do to promote travel to Hawaiʻi is a step toward strengthening our economy and creating jobs,” she said.

The funds come as the US Senate prepares to consider legislation later this week that would fund a number of other transportation initiatives, including support for Kalaupapa air travel, Hirono said.

The grant from the US Department of Transportation will reportedly be used for the replacement of 12 existing passenger loading bridges in the Main Overseas Terminal.  The bridges are described as “outdated” and have reportedly “reached the end of their useful lives.”

According to Hirono, three interisland airlines and four commuter airlines reportedly utilize the Honolulu International Airport to provide services throughout the state.  The airport also is served by 27 international and domestic carriers, hosts approximately 20 million passengers each year, Hirono said.

***Supporting information courtesy US Senator Mazie Hirono.