Posted on: Thursday, October 30, 2008
$20 million released for 4 Isle airports
Advertiser Staff
Gov. Linda Lingle has released $20 million for capital improvements at four of Hawai'i's major airports as part of a 12-year, $2.3 billion airports modernization plan.
The funds will be disbursed as follows:
Honolulu International Airport, $9.7 million to replace about 30 escalators throughout the airport. Nearly 75 percent of the escalators at Honolulu airport are more than 20 years old. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2009 and finish in June 2010.
Lihu'e Airport, $4 million to expand parking. The funds will be used to add 422 new parking stalls, bringing the total to 1,425 stalls. In addition, a new taxi lane will be created by widening the existing access road fronting the airport terminal building. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2009 and finish in December 2009.
Hilo International Airport, $3.2 million to expand parking. The funds will be used to add 427 new parking stalls, bringing the total to 1,305 stalls. Work includes the addition of a new employee parking area, as well as pedestrian walkway, lighting and landscaping improvements. Design costs totaled $91,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2009 and finish in December 2009.
Kona International Airport, $3.2 million to build an interim commuter air terminal. Work includes the construction of two enclosed buildings that will provide lounge areas, airline offices and baggage storage areas; landscaping; and improvements such as lighting, signage and utilities. The current commuter terminal sits several hundred feet from the main terminal and is composed of three temporary trailers. The new facility will be more accessible, modern and air-conditioned. Construction of the interim terminal will begin in March 2009 and finish in December 2009.
