Hirono welcomes first Hawaiian Airlines flight from Haneda to Kona

Senator Mazie K. Hirono welcomed visitors from Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight on its new direct route from Haneda Aiport in Tokyo to Kona International Airport.

“Today’s flight is the culmination of years of effort to reestablish international flights outside of North America to Kona, which is important for the Hawaii Island economy” said Senator Hirono. “The visitors we welcomed today will only be the first to experience our unique culture and everything that makes Hawaii a special place.”

Senator Hirono wrote to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to urge him to approve Hawaiian Airlines’ application for the direct route. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved Hawaiian Airlines’ application on May 13, 2016.

Senator Hirono also toured the new Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at Kona International Airport, which will process international visitors who fly directly to and from Kona. After the FIS facility closed in 2010, Senator Hirono worked with federal, state, and County officials, and community and business leaders to reestablish the facility.