Hirono Announces Over $10 Million in Funding for Maui and Big Island Airport Improvements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced today that Kahului Airport and Hilo International Airport will receive over $10 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance airport operations and runway safety.

“Ensuring safe and secure air travel is critical to sustaining Hawaii’s economy and commerce,” said Senator Hirono. “Federal funding for these runway improvement projects will help to strengthen runway safety at the Kahului and Hilo International airports.”

As part of the funding, Kahului Airport will receive $6,187,700 to support the acquisition of approximately 13.34 acres of privately owned land for the protection of the approach and departure airspace for Runway 2-20. The project will also assist with the prevention of incompatible land use of future development by the landowner in an area that could hinder airport operations and safety.

“We are very pleased to receive the support of this grant funding that will allow us to meet FAA’s runway safety zone requirements and to provide increased safety to our air travelers,” said Ross Higashi, Deputy Director of the State of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation- Airport Divisions. “These types of financial programs further supplement Hawaii’s airport systems.”

In addition, Hilo International Airport will receive $4,430,340 in funding for drainage improvements needed to eliminate airfield ponding along the north and south shoulders of Runway 8/26 for aircraft safety purposes.

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