Posted on: Friday, June 7, 2002
State bid to improve Burns Field dropped
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau
PORT ALLEN, Kaua'i — The state Department of Transportation has abandoned its proposal for improvements to the old airstrip at Port Allen, known as Burns Field.
The proposed changes generated widespread community opposition, particularly from users of the traditional Hawaiian salt-making beds at the western end of the runway. But they also had the support of some private pilots and commercial helicopter operators who have been hoping for better facilities at the run-down field.
State Transportation Director Brian Minaai, in a letter to the county Planning Department, withdrew the state's request for a permit for the improvements. He linked the withdrawal to the state's review of its capital improvement program and the setting of new priorities.
Without the improvements, the airport will remain open to aircraft, including the tour helicopter firms that use it, Minaai said.
"Port Allen Airport remains a public facility and may be used by properly licensed private and commercial pilots, military and private aircraft," Minaai said in his letter.
The DOT had proposed a range of improvements, and an environmental assessment concluded there would be no significant environmental impact from the construction. The work was to include new aircraft hangars, paving around the perimeter of the runway and new restrooms.
Plans for the work have been before the county Planning Department for several years. The first environmental review was rejected by state courts for its failure to consider the impact of moving the Burns Field helicopter operations to the larger heliport at Lihu'e Airport. An updated environmental assessment found that the state does not have the authority to prevent helicopters from using a licensed airfield.
Hawaiian salt makers said the aircraft operations cause dust that affects their salt-drying areas. During winter rains, runoff from the airstrip could contaminate salt ponds.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at (808) 245-7825 or jant@honoluluadvertiser.com
