Posted on: Friday, November 1, 2002

Private firms sought to run small airports

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

The state is still hoping private companies can be found to take over operations of five small airports, rather than closing them, officials said yesterday.

"That would be our first preference," said acting Airports Administrator Roy Sakata.

The state is preparing official requests for information from businesses interested in running the airports, but "we've already received some feelers from the Mainland," Sakata said.

Last month Gov. Ben Cayetano told lawmakers the state was considering closing or privatizing the five small airfields — Dillingham on O'ahu, Port Allen on Kaua'i, 'Upolu and Waimea-Kohala on the Big Island and Kapalua on Maui — in an effort to cut costs.

The changes may be necessary because of a drop in airport revenue since Sept. 11 and to ensure that service levels are maintained at the state's primary airports, Cayetano said.

The announcement drew criticism, however, from many businesses, private plane owners and local communities that rely on the smaller airports.

"We've had a lot of letters expressing concern, and we've responded to all of them," Sakata said. "We've explained the review is being done for fiscal reasons and we are looking into ways to keep them open."

Sakata said it will be at least several more weeks before the state officially seeks private proposals to run the airport and many months before a final decision is reached. Because of Federal Aviation Administration rules requiring public hearings and other notices, any move to close the airports could take at least a year.

"And that would be the absolute last resort," Sakata said.