HIRONO ANNOUNCES KALAELOA AIRPORT TO RECEIVE $2 MILLION FOR FACILITY UPGRADES

Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Kalaeloa Airport on Oahu will receive $2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to renovate hangar facilities for general aviation use. The renovated hangar will be able to safely accommodate up to 20 aircraft.

“The Kalaeloa Airport plays a diverse and important role, serving the U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii Air National Guard, and commercial air travel,” Hirono said. “The airport helps support the Coast Guard’s air rescue missions and the Honolulu International Airport in case of emergency, which are key reasons why I fought to protect Kalaeloa Airport from budget cuts earlier this year. I am glad the airport is receiving the federal support it needs to renovate its facilities.”

Earlier this year Hirono urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to spare the Kalaeloa Airport Air Traffic Control Tower from the chopping block. After the FAA identified the tower as one of 189 that would be closed due to sequestration, Hirono sent the agency a letter recommending to keep the tower open because of the vital role it plays to Coast Guard operations and air safety. FAA decided in March to keep the tower open.