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About the Modernization Program

Major improvements are in the works for Hawai'i’s airports, which bring millions of visitors to our islands each year and allows Hawai'i to serve as a major hub that links the United States mainland with Asia and destinations beyond.

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    Hawai'i Airport Modernization Program Vision Statement

    Create airports that are modern in their response to the demands and rigors of air travel; are Hawaiian in their response to the unique cultural and natural environment; airports of which both residents and visitors alike are proud; places that embody the Aloha spirit and create a gateway to Hawai'i.

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    Modernization Program Introduction

    The Hawai'i Airports Modernization Program is part of Governor Green's continuing work on airport improvements throughout the State, and will achieve the following overall goals:  

    • Enrich the overall travel experience for visitors and residents by transforming Hawai'i airports into distinctive, functional, world-class facilities
    • Expand capacity at Hawai'i’s airports, improve efficiency and safety
    • Create jobs and stimulate the State’s economy
    • Integrate principles of sustainability into design features
    • Embrace Hawaiian cultural elements 

    This $2.3 billion statewide Program will be funded through airport user fees which include airline rents and landing fees, federal grants, passenger facility charges, and airport revenue bonds that will be paid back with airport user fees.  State general funds and state taxes will not be used. 

    The Program was developed in close cooperation with the airlines and other airport and visitor industry partners.

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    Principles of Sustainability

    The DOT-A recognizes the sustainability efforts made by both governmental and non-governmental organizations in Hawai'i and the aviation community, and endeavors to support those efforts as much as possible.

    The Airports Modernization Program focuses on being environmentally sustainable, introducing environmental, social, and cultural elements that can set Hawai'i’s airports apart from facilities elsewhere. Prime consideration on the extensive use of recycled materials, sustainable energy sources, particularly solar, and procurement of more energy-efficient machinery drives the planning, design, and construction of all projects.

    All projects strive to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

    Visit SustainableHNL (sHNL) for more information on the DOT-A's Sustainability Program values and objectives.

    Sustainable HNL
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    Embracing Hawaiian Cultural Elements

    Upon completion of the Program, Hawai'i’s airports will better reflect our unique cultural identity by incorporating educational and cultural experiences for airport visitors, including Hawaiian cultural displays, and featuring live Hawaiian music and dance.

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