MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii will receive $7,959,367 to pay for freeway improvements, runway and signage upgrades at Hilo International Airport and a statewide airport layout study, Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka have announced.

The money is provided through three grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The projects are being administered by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

“These funds will help ensure safe and timely transportation for our visitors and working families,” Inouye said. “It is imperative that we provide for the maintenance and improvement of our transportation infrastructure.”

“These federal grants make it possible to continue developing adequate highway infrastructure to Oahu’s Second City and making safety and planning improvements to Hawaii’s airports,” Akaka said.

Kapolei Interchange: $3,435,000

The state Department of Transportation is working to improve traffic flow in and out of Kapolei, as well as relieve traffic congestion at the H-1 Makakilo and Palailai Interchanges.

Hilo International Airport Improvements: $3,009,367

This grant will provide Federal funding for rehabilitating runway 03/21 thresholds and connecting Taxiways E and G, and for various improvements of airport signs and markings at Hilo International Airport. The rehabilitation of the runway and taxiway pavements is necessary to improve the deteriorating condition of the pavements and to the enhance safety of aircraft operations. The improvements include painting airfield signs and markings to meet Part 139 certification requirements and to enhance safety.

Airport Plan Study: $1,500,000

The state Department of Transportation is updating their Airport Layout Plans, many of which are more than a decade old. The system planning effort is required to depict current configuration and future development at airports within the Hawaii’s system of airports.