Senator Hirono Announces Over $2 Million for Improvements at Kauai, Maui, and Molokai Airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today announced that Hawaii will receive over $2 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enhance airport operations and runway safety at the Lihue, Kahului, and Molokai airports.

“The safety of our traveling public is critical to the well-being of the people of Kauai, Maui, and Molokai who depend on air transportation and Hawaii’s visitor industry,” said Senator Hirono. “This federal funding will help to strengthen safety at our airports by providing our first responders with the tools they need to quickly respond to incidents, while also enhancing overall runway safety.”

As part of the grant funding, Lihue Airport will receive $1,057,500 and Kahului Airport will receive $882,000 to support the acquisition of a replacement aircraft rescue and fighting vehicle to assist the airports in meeting current federal safety requirements. In addition, Molokai Airport will receive $250,900 to support the purchase of a new runway sweeper to remove foreign object debris and maintain safe airfield operations.

“HDOT is grateful to the federal government for providing this additional funding,” said Ross Higashi, Hawaii Department of Transportation, Airports Division, Deputy Director. “The money will go a long way toward ensuring the health and safety of the passengers and employees of the airports system.”

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