$6.4 Million Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Station Dedicated on Lanai

Lanai Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

A dedication ceremony was held today for the new $6.4 million Lanai Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station.

The newly completed facility brings the Lanai Airport into compliance with regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“In addition to providing a modern aircraft rescue and fire fighting facility at Lanai Airport, the project provided a needed economic boost,” said Department of Transportation Director Glenn Okimoto.

With a population of just over 3,000 people, Okimoto said the project provided local jobs and created revenue for many of Lanai’s small business owners.

“With the completion of this project the new ARFF station will enable the state of Hawaii to continue to provide vital safety and medical services to the traveling public at Lanai Airport,” said Okimoto.

State transportation officials say the facility was funded through a $5.6 million FAA Airport Improvement Program grant, along with $805,000 in state funds.

The new facility features two truck bays, a trailer bay, a fueling area, office space, dorm rooms and a fitness area.

State officials say the new station replaces the existing facility that had been utilized past its intended lifecycle.