Gov. Linda Lingle has released $24,405,000 for construction of a 10-megawatt emergency power facility at Honolulu International Airport that will provide full back-up power to the terminal during commercial power interruptions, the state said today.

Project funds will also cover the cost of fuel tanks and a distribution system to run the emergency power plant.

"As an island state, our airports are critical during emergency situations," Lingle said in a statement. "This project will ensure that in the event of a power outage, Honolulu International Airport will be better equipped to carry out emergency functions and keep the traveling public and airport personnel safe."

Currently, emergency back-up power at the airport provides power for egress lighting, the telephone system, fire alarms and security systems. This represents about 10 percent of the airport's peak power needs, which is enough to allow for the evacuation and safe shut-down of the airport until commercial power is restored.

This project will increase the current emergency back-up power at the airport so that it can continue processing inbound and outbound passengers and prevent airport security from being compromised during power outages.