GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $2,805,000 FOR KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

For Immediate Release:  February 4, 2008

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $2,805,000 for improvements at Kona International Airport, including the construction of covered walkways in the terminals, an additional security lane, new apron lights and a new access gate for passengers who are disabled. The project is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s 12-year, $2.3 billion Airports Modernization Plan.

“Kona International Airport has seen an increase in mainland and international flights in recent years,” said Governor Lingle. “With airport traffic growing, these improvements will help reduce wait times at security checkpoints and increase the amount of weather protection for passengers in the terminals.”

Covered walkways will be built from the security checkpoints to the waiting areas in both the north and south terminals, while weather protection over each of the boarding checkpoints will be extended in order to shelter more passengers. Project improvements also include a new access gate in the south terminal to make it easier for passengers who are disabled to board their flights, new apron lighting to improve night safety for boarding and deplaning passengers, and the addition of a third security lane at the north terminal checkpoint to allow for faster passenger screening.

The total project cost is estimated at $2,985,000, of which $180,000 was previously released for design. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2008 and be completed in December 2008.

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For more information, contact:
Brennon Morioka
Interim Director, Dept. of Transportation
Phone: (808) 587-2150

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043