HIRONO ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $21 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR HAWAII

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that Hawaii will receive more than $21 million in key transportation funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). More than $10 million in funding will be used to rehabilitate a runway at Honolulu International Airport, $3 million will be used to make storm safety improvements at Molokai Airport, $2.5 million will help the state evaluate the condition of airport runways across the state, and $1 million will improve runway lighting at Lanai’s airport. Hirono also announced more than $3 million to replace transit buses in Hawaii, Maui and Kauai Counties.

“Improving Hawaii’s transportation infrastructure is key to sustaining our economy and the quality of life in our state,” Hirono said. “Hawaii is proud of the safety and quality of our airports, as they are critical to the success of our visitor industry and economic health. The $18 million in runway and airport improvements will help modernize Hawaii’s airport infrastructure and will ensure our airports can continue to safely and efficiently handle flights. $3 million in additional transportation funding will also help Maui, Hawaii and Kauai counties replace transit buses and improve service for mobility limited passengers.”

Hirono announced more than $18 million in airport improvements today as well as $3 million for neighbor island buses:

• $10,522,090 for Runway Rehabilitation at Honolulu International Airport -- This project provides funding for rehabilitation of the runway that is needed to maintain structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. This project will rehabilitate the existing runway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.

• $3,440,000 For New Transit Buses In Hawaii, Maui and Kauai Counties -- These funds are for the purchase of replacement buses for the County of Hawaii transit agency, the County of Maui Transportation Department, and the County of Kauai Transportation Department. The new buses will also have improved access for mobility limited passengers and patrons with bicycles. The County of Hawaii will receive $1,200,000, the County of Kauai will receive $1,240,000 and the County of Maui will receive $1,000,000 for bus replacement.

• $3,022,148 For Drainage Improvement At Molokai Airport -- This grant will fund construction of airport drainage improvements, which are necessary to adequately handle stormwater runoff.

• $2,500,000 For Evaluation of Runway Conditions Across The State -- This grant will provide funds to update the Pavement Management Program for the seven-primary and one-reliever airport within the State of Hawaii. The project is needed to establish the current condition of the airfield pavement and to address how the airfield pavement will be maintained or upgraded to acceptable levels.

• $1,041,930 For Lighting Improvements At Lanai Airport -- This project provides funding for the rehabilitation of the runway lighting system that has reached the end of its useful life. The project is necessary to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions and to meet federal aviation requirements.

• $904,500 For Study Of Airport Needs -- This project will provide funding to conduct a state system plan study to evaluate the existing airport system and identify airport development needs.