The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has earmarked a $22 million grant for the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) to construct a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Kahului Airport.
“Kahului Airport is an important resource for our residents and visitors, and the vibrant Hawaii economy,” Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “This project highlights our continued efforts to bring in more federal dollars to upgrade our airports across the state to address our needs for the future now.”
The scope of work calls for construction of a new two-story security screening checkpoint at the south end of the ticket lobby housing multiple TSA screening lanes.
“We are committed to an airport system that prioritizes a safe and enjoyable curb-to-plane experience and will continue to work with our partners to deliver efficiently while minimizing costs to the public,” Sniffen said.
The project is slated to increase the TSA screening capacity to as many as six additional lanes. The north checkpoint and all its lanes will remain operational, and as part of the multimillion-dollar project, that checkpoint will be upgraded by enclosing it and adding air conditioning.
“We are grateful for the investment our federal and state partners are making in TSA security screening operations at Kahului Airport,” TSA Federal Security Director for Hawai‘i and the Pacific Nanea Vasta said. “Travelers will notice the improvements when departing the airport and TSA employees will ultimately enjoy a more comfortable environment when working in the new space.”
Vasta said during the construction phases of the project, TSA will remain committed to providing the most effective and efficient security operation while “reflecting the aloha spirit of the islands.”