HIRONO ANNOUNCES $6.7 MILLION IN UPGRADES AT HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THAT WILL HELP SUPPORT HAWAII'S BOOMING VISITOR INDUSTRY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced $6.7 million in federal funds for Honolulu International Airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation grant will fund the replacement of 12 existing passenger loading bridges in the Main Overseas Terminal that are outdated and have reached the end of their useful lives.

“Honolulu International Airport is Hawaii’s main connection to the mainland and the rest of the world,” Hirono said. “Today’s federal investment will help the airport make critical upgrades as the state continues to see growing numbers of international and domestic visitors. Since tourism is our state’s number one industry, anything we can do to promote travel to Hawaii is a step toward strengthening our economy and creating jobs.”

Built in 1927 and served by 27 international and domestic carriers, three interisland airlines and four commuter airlines, the airport is undergoing a number of modernization initiatives as visitor arrivals continue to rise. The airport hosts approximately 20 million passengers each year.

Hirono has been working closely with her Senate colleagues to get funding for major Hawaii transportation initiatives. Later this week, the Senate is expected to approve legislation that would fund many other transportation and housing initiatives – including full funding for the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project for the 2014 fiscal year, support for Kalaupapa air travel and funding for Native Hawaiian Housing initiatives.