New International Arrivals Corridor Completed At Honolulu International Airport

Located on the third level of the ‘Ewa Concourse, the new corridor will provide a pleasant, secure route to the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area for arriving international passengers who deplane at Gates 26 through 34.  Approximately 2,100 feet long, the corridor uses a series of three Autowalk people-mover systems which will eliminate the need for Wiki-Wiki shuttle buses.

The enclosed, air-conditioned International Arrivals Corridor has glass windows on one side with plantings of hibiscus and other tropical foliage along the exterior, giving visitors a unique feeling of Hawai‘i when they first arrive.

“About 1.5 million international visitors arrive at the Honolulu International Airport every year and 80 percent of those arrivals will be utilizing the new corridor,” said Jiro Sumada, DOT Deputy Director.  “This modern, new facility will enhance the overall travel experience for visitors and residents while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security.”

“The International Arrivals Corridor is another significant component of our Airports Modernization Plan to upgrade Hawai‘i’s airports statewide,” said Governor Linda Lingle.  “The improvements we have completed or launched over the past four years are helping to increase the efficiency of airport operations, while creating more modern, comfortable, accessible and convenient airport facilities for the traveling public.”

The total cost of the project is approximately $37 million, 75 percent of which was federally-funded.  The project was built in six phases with the first phase dedicated a year ago on October 15, 2009.

As part of the International Arrivals Corridor project, there is ongoing work on the second level of the ‘Ewa Concourse from Gates 26 to 30.  To further enhance the security of the corridor, glass partitions will be installed from the aircraft loading bridges located on the second level to the corridor entrance doors located on the third level.  Escalators leading to the corridor will also be enclosed with glass partitions.  This work is expected to be completed in September 2011.  Gates 31 to 34 will not require modifications as they are already enclosed with glass.

“I am very pleased to see the completion of the International Arrivals Corridor,” noted Senator J. Kalani English (D, Hana, East & Upcountry Maui, Molokai, Lanai & Kahoolawe), Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs .  “This is a prime example of how projects like these not only improve our infrastructure, but keep Hawaii workers on the job while enhancing our biggest industry, tourism.”

The International Arrivals Corridor is part of the 12-year, $2.3 billion Airports Modernization Program to upgrade Hawai‘i’s airports.  Developed and launched in 2006 by the Lingle-Aiona Administration in conjunction with the Airlines Committee of Hawai‘i and other airport and visitor industry partners, the comprehensive plan involves implementing projects to improve passenger service, increase security and operational efficiencies, increase airport capacities and enhance travel convenience.

From left to right: Kahu Kordell Kekoa (Kamehameha Schools Head Chaplain), Bruce Murley (Customs and Border Patrol), Jiro Sumada (DOT Deputy Director), Governor Linda Lingle, James Pratt (DOT District Manager), Ryocihi Okubo (Japan Airlines VP and Regional Manager), Diana Lee (DOT Project Manager) and Lance Inouye (President of Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd.).