Confusing airport signs scheduled for departure
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
It's going to be "arrivals" and "departures" again. But at a price.
Advertiser library photo • March 11, 2003
Starting Monday, the state will begin installing new signs at Honolulu International Airport that use the popular old wording. Putting new vinyl letters on the sign structures already in place will cost about $140,000, said Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa.
The state Department of Transportation plans to change the wording on airport signs to "arriving" and "departing" but keep the bright yellow-green color.
The signs will replace ones that were put up last year directing people to "ticketing" and "bag claim." At the time, state officials said the language complied more closely with that used in most airports worldwide.
The new terminology, however, prompted a flood of complaints.
"The change apparently confused the heck out of everybody, so we're going back to the old way," Ishikawa said. "People told us to keep it simple, stupid — and that's what we're doing."
In all, the state plans to put up about 25 new signs. Two large signs seen as motorists come off the H-1 Freeway will be changed back to "departures" and "arrivals." Other signs will include a mixture of the old and new terminology, Ishikawa said.
One thing that won't change is the signs' fluorescent yellow-green color.
Although the bright signs had drawn some criticism from the Outdoor Circle and others, many people said they found the new signs easier to see and read, especially as they were approaching specific areas of the airport, Ishikawa said.
"We actually had a lot of compliments and thanks from elderly people and others who said they could read signs better at night," Ishikawa said.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
