Līhuʻe Airport’s improvement plan includes modernization, not adding capacity

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation officials presented a draft optimization plan for Līhuʻe Airport on Tuesday evening, emphasizing the effort is focused on modernization and efficiency — and not expansion.

The initiative began in 2022 as part of the master plan update but was reworked after feedback from the community.

“We heard very clearly that what was needed was a more focused, practical approach that addresses today’s challenges while respecting the culture and character of Kaua‘i,” said Curt Otaguro, deputy director of the transportation department’s Airports Division.

Otaguro told the people who attended the meeting at Kīlauea Elementary School that the Līhu’e Airport Optimization Plan does not call for increasing airport capacity.

“Instead, it aims to improve safety, operational efficiency, environmental sustainability and passenger experience by making better use of existing facilities,” he said.

Līhu’e Airport serves approximately 1.8 million passengers annually, with about 18,000 to 19,000 departures each year.

“Roughly two-thirds of those flights are inter-island routes,” said Andrew Scanlon, a consultant on the Līhu’e Airport Optimization Plan.

Scanlon outlined several existing challenges at the airport, including undersized holding rooms, inadequate public and employee parking, limited concessions and aging restroom facilities.

“Aircraft operating at the airport today are larger than the terminal was originally designed to accommodate, placing strain on gate areas and passenger spaces,” he said.

Security screening areas also were identified as a concern.

“While the airport has three checkpoints with adequate lane capacity, the primary checkpoint is located in an open-air environment, exposing equipment and Transportation Security Administration officers to weather conditions,” Scanlon said.

The plan proposes consolidating screening operations into enclosed areas and adding room for passenger queuing and a recomposure area where people can calmly reorder their belongings and themselves after going through screening.

Kīlauea resident and frequent air traveler Michael Albatrosov said he’s most excited about expanded TSA services.

He said he island hops a lot for work, so “itʻs nice to be able to not have to wait in long lines.”

Other proposed improvements include relocating baggage screening equipment out of the ticket lobby, expanding hold rooms and adding passenger boarding bridges at all gates, including Gate 10A that currently requires passengers to walk across the tarmac .

The plan also calls for modernizing interior spaces with improved lighting, ventilation and additional electrical outlets.

Scanlon also discussed ongoing and planned projects, including restroom renovations, employee parking construction, crosswalk safety upgrades, and a redesign of the rental car shuttle area.

“A key long-term proposal would consolidate rental car operations into a single 33-acre site on airport property,” he said.

The at-grade facility would include surface parking, a one-story customer service building, and the potential for shade structures with solar panels.

He also noted that the consolidation would reduce shuttle traffic on surrounding roads, improve operational efficiency, and free up land for additional public and employee parking.

“Freed-up space could also accommodate airport administrative offices, a dedicated facility for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, staging areas for rideshare vehicles, a cell phone waiting lot, and potentially an on-airport hotel intended to assist stranded travelers during flight disruptions,” Scanlon said. “Such concepts remain preliminary.”

Kauaʻi Councilmember Felicia Cowden, who had just returned from Washington, D.C., said she has been attending airport update meetings for probably four years.

“I’m happy with the airport plan update,” she said. “Earlier meetings presented plans to add gates and additional flight capacity that was met with resistance from the public. The updated plan shows the voice of the people was heard.

“The new design adds efficiency and comfort without adding flight traffic volume.”

Additional proposals include expanding aircraft apron space to allow for overnight parking and temporary staging when gates are occupied, improving general aviation facilities, and separating helicopter and fixed-wing operations.

Individuals interested in providing input are invited to attend Thrusday’s fourth and final Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan meeting at the Kōloa Neighborhood Center, taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Residents unable to attend can learn more about the Līhu’e Airport Optimization Plan by clicking here.

“We truly want to hear what you have to say,” Otaguro told the North Shore residents. “It’s important to the community, and it’s important to us.”