Kahului Taxiway Repairs to Result in Increased Aircraft Traffic

Kahului Airport, control tower. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Kahului and Wailuku residents on Maui are advised of an anticipated increase in aircraft traffic beginning today, due to a planned runway maintenance project.

Officials with the state Department of Transportation say the repair project on Taxiway A will require night flights to use Runway 5-23, which requires aircraft to fly over Kahului and Wailuku.

According to a DOT announcement, the $18 million project includes resurfacing the taxiway, restriping, and installing new airfield signs and edgeway lights.

Construction will begin Wednesday, April 30, and will take place from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. Sundays through Fridays.

In a press release announcement, DOT officials said, “Runway 2-20, the only runway at Kahului Airport long enough to safely land larger aircraft, is the area of focus on Taxiway A.”

“The constant stress of aircraft on the runway has caused structural failure of the pavement, and it must be shut down to achieve the necessary full depth reconstruction. As a result, there will be limited construction noise from milling and paving, in addition to increased air traffic due to the temporary use of Runway 5-23 for night flights,” the announcement said.

The HDOT thanked residents in advance for their patience and cooperation throughout the project.