The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded $24.1 million in airport infrastructure grants to Hawaii airports as part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will get $12 million to rebuild an aircraft apron; Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keahole has secured $10 million to build an Airport for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training facility; and Kalaeloa Airport (John Rodgers Field) will use its $2.1 million to repair a runway.
Hilo International Airport, Kahului Airport, Molokai Airport, and Lanai Airport will receive additional FAA grants to acquire ARFF vehicles.
“Tourism is one of the state’s top industries,” Gov. David Ige said. “Funding from the FAA will greatly assist our Airports Division in expediting these needed improvements that will provide more jobs for Hawaii residents and better serve our visitors.”
AIP grants fund infrastructure projects that include runways, taxiways, aprons, terminal plans, and other improvements that enhance safety and efficiency of the nation’s system of airports.
Airports receive a certain amount of funding each year based on their activity levels and funding needs, according to officials. Including Hawaii’s recent allotment, the FAA announced that it will grant $616.9 million in airport infrastructure grants nationwide.