LINGLE-AIONA ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS $2.3 BILLION AIRPORTS MODERNIZATION PLAN
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2006
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle and members of the Administration unveiled a comprehensive plan to upgrade major airports on O`ahu, Maui, Kaua`i and the Big Island. The $2.3 billion, 12-year Airports Modernization Plan was developed in conjunction with the Airlines Committee of Hawai`i and other airport and visitor industry partners.
“Our airports are like little cities that serve not just passengers, but businesses, employees and our entire visitor industry,” said Governor Lingle. “This modernization plan is designed to meet diverse needs – from security to convenience to efficiency – and to do so with the Aloha that our visitors and residents expect and deserve.”
The plan was presented today during a public briefing that was attended by legislative leaders and members of the transportation and finance committees, airline representatives, and members of the community.
“The vision and goal is to ensure our airports are modern, efficient, passenger-friendly and secure,” said Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert. “The phased modernization plan will create efficiencies and effectiveness in operations and increase the level of satisfaction for our residents and visitors.”
The plan involves implementing short-term projects within the next five years to improve passenger service and increase security and operational efficiencies. These include upgrades to the passenger terminals, ticket counters, baggage screening operations, runways and airport aprons, airport infrastructure such as air conditioning, restroom facilities, elevators, escalators, electrical systems, drains and sprinkler systems. In addition, the plan incorporates improvements to comply with federal regulations on storm water systems, runway safety, perimeter security and crash fire safety.
Long-term improvement projects include increasing the airports’ capacity and enhancing convenience and efficiency. These projects include constructing additional gates, ramp space and passenger loading bridges, increasing holding room capacity, and expanding public parking facilities.
The proposed upgrades will be paid for entirely by airport fees and federal funds, and will not utilize any State General Funds.
The complete Airports Modernization Plan is attached and available on the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov . A video of today’s briefing as well as photos and renderings of the planned improvement projects are also available on the Web site.
####
To read the Airport Modernization Plan, click here.
For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
Marsha Wienert
State Tourism Liaison
Phone: 586-2362
Rod Haraga
Director, Dept. of Transportation
Phone: 586-2150
Brian Sekiguchi
Deputy Director, Dept. of Transportation Airports Division
Phone: 838-8600
Georgina Kawamura
Director of Budget and Finance
Phone: 586-1518
