Kona International Airport Set To Receive $3.7 Million In New Federal Funding For Safety Improvements

HONOLULU – Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the state of Hawai‘i will receive $3,702,600 in new federal funding for safety improvements at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, the largest airport on Hawai‘i Island.

“These funds will make it easier to travel to and from our state and are particularly important because Kona International is just one of two points of entry to Hawai‘i,” said Senator Schatz. “Kona International is of growing importance to the whole state as a hub for international travel and as an alternative to Honolulu if needed.”

Kona International is the third-busiest of the state’s 15 airports and the only U.S. Port of Entry in Hawai‘i other than Honolulu. Provided through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, this grant will cover the cost of rehabilitating lighting systems along the airport’s runway and taxiways, making it safer in low-visibility conditions.

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