EDITORIAL
Closing airports must be done prudently

We certainly can understand the state's desire to save money in airports operations. Airfields across the country are bringing in less revenue to their operators because of a drop in travel and in concession revenues.

So when the state looks at its revenue picture and at the airports it operates, it is logical to suggest closing fields that are more of a drain than an asset.

In a letter to the Legislature, Gov. Ben Cayetano this month said the state is considering closing or privatizing five small airfields: Dillingham on O'ahu, Port Allen on Kaua'i, 'Upolu and Waimea-Kohala on the Big Island, and Kapalua on Maui. The review, he said, is to ensure "service is not degraded" at the state's primary airports.

State officials said that while closure is not a certainty, the need to consider it shows Hawai'i may not be able to support airports where traffic is light. And the Federal Aviation Administration notes the state has a lot of requirements to fulfill before shutting an airport, including hearings and a notice in the federal registry.

In addition to the FAA requirements, we hope the state undertakes an economic cost-benefit study before closing or privatizing any of the airports.

Airports are a critical part of our economic lifeline. Nowhere else in the United States, except Alaska, are they so critical to transportation.

Let's make sure that those airports are not closed if there is a resulting loss to residents and businesses that outweighs the cost of the airport infrastructure.