KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — Baggage handling, security screening and new restrooms are the priorities for immediate improvements in the new Kona International Airport master plan.

Long-term plans include more runways, expanded terminals and a new air traffic control tower, according to the updated plan presented last week by a Department of Transportation Aviation Division committee. The 20-year plan also incorporates a hotel and conference center, education center, and retail and industrial facilities.

Several residents who attended the fourth and last public meeting Thursday questioned whether a $2 million master plan update is needed and whether officials will follow through on recommendations.

After final revisions, the plan will be forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval, which is needed to make the more than 3,000-acre airport eligible for federal funds.

"This is a priority project," said Kurt Mitchell, primary consultant for the plan and chief executive officer of Kober Hanssen Mitchell Architects. "It really is going ahead already. There is validity here. The design is already under way."

Money has already been allocated beginning next year for improving, expanding and updating the baggage claim area and outbound baggage inspection process, streamlining and centralizing check-in areas, simplifying the passenger screening process, and adding restrooms and concessions.

"It's about passengers first," Mitchell said. "As prices go up, they are paying more for services they took for granted. "From the time you stop on the curb until the time you take off, we want to make it as friendly as possible. There's always anxiety to flying, and the airport facility shouldn't have to add to it."

Mitchell said he has been pleased with the community's involvement in the process, especially as residents share the planners' commitment to a friendly and efficient facility.

"What we have admired about the Kona community is that they are very passionate and they turn out and they ask serious questions," Mitchell said. "They want something that really emulates Kona. Not just a Hawaii sense of place, but a Kona sense of place."

Mitchell said the plan could become a model for all the state's airports.

"Kona has the ability and potential — if done correctly and smartly — to be the best airport on the Neighbor Islands," he said. "Kona can demonstrate how good a passenger experience can be and hopefully other airports in Hawaii can adopt that friendly feel."