Construction to Start Next Month on Honolulu International Airport Emergency Power Facility

The state Department of Transportation’s Airport Division (DOTA) will start construction next month on the Emergency Power Facility (EPF) planned for Honolulu International Airport.  The EPF will use four generators to provide up to 10 megawatts of electrical power to the airport in the event of a major emergency or natural disaster.

 “The Emergency Power Facility will help us meet our priority responsibility to keep Honolulu International Airport up and running even during a major disaster," said  Transportation Director Glenn Okimoto. “It’s also an example what Governor Neil Abercrombie has urged, to transform government by partnering with private industry, in this case Hawaiian Electric, to save the people of the state millions of dollars.”

“It’s a win-win situation for all involved,” said Okimoto. “The environment, the airport, Hawaiian Electric customers and really, everyone who lives or travels to Hawaii.”

Under an agreement between Hawaiian Electric and DOTA, which has already been approved by the State Public Utilities Commission, the utility will be able to use the EPF up to 1,500 hours per year to provide power to customers. Hawaiian Electric will compensate DOTA with monthly payments and a maintenance reimbursement allowance which could reach a total of $14 million over 20 years.

“This is an excellent example of a public-private partnership," said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president.  "This small power plant will improve service to one of our state's essential facilities at a lower cost than if Hawaiian Electric or the State of Hawaii were to build and own it. By fueling it with renewable biodiesel we will help reduce our dependence on imported oil."

Work on the $19.9 million project will begin in October and is targeted to be completed as early as late 2012.  The facility will be linked to Hawaiian Electric’s existing grid but can isolate itself from the grid to provide power just to the airport in case of an emergency.

Even a short power outage can have a significant impact on airport functions, flight schedules and the traveling public. The EPF will automatically provide emergency power to critical airport operations within five minutes of an outage and will be able to meet 55% of the airport’s total energy needs. The new EPF will significantly expand the airport’s existing emergency generator capabilities.

The facility will also include above-ground storage tanks to supply fuel for the generators.  In August, Hawaiian Electric signed a contract with Pacific Biodiesel, a local biodiesel supplier, to provide the renewable fuel for the EPF, subject to contract approval by the PUC. . 

A $14.5 million contract was awarded to Watts Constructors LLC to construct the building, fuel tanks and related site work.  Of this amount, 90% is being covered by Passenger Facility Charge funds.

A $5.4 million contract was awarded to Hawthorne Pacific to provide the generators, paralleling switchgear and related accessories.  Of this amount, 90% is being covered by Passenger Facility Charge funds.