Kona International Airport will get improvements including new covered walkways in the terminals, an additional security lane, new apron lights and a new access gate for passengers who are disabled, thanks to $2.8 million in state funds that have been released.

"Kona International Airport has seen an increase in mainland and international flights in recent years," said Gov. Linda Lingle, in a written statement. "With airport traffic growing, these improvements will help reduce wait times at security checkpoints and increase the amount of weather protection for passengers in the terminals."

Covered walkways will be built from the security checkpoints to the waiting areas in both the north and south terminals, while weather protection over each of the boarding checkpoints will be extended in order to shelter more passengers.

The total project cost is estimated at almost $3 million, of which $180,000 was previously released for design, the statement said.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March and be completed in December.