Community members are invited to attend public meetings in August to learn about the ongoing Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will be hosting the meetings where people can learn about key planning efforts completed to date, including facility requirements, alternatives under consideration and the preliminary screening of alternatives. The meetings will also include a summary of input received during the March 2026 public engagement process — and will provide an opportunity for community members to share additional feedback.
The goal of the plan is to optimize the airport’s existing facilities to improve safety, enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability, and improve the passenger experience, while remaining responsive to community values and concerns, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
The same information will be presented at each meeting and a recording of the presentation and meeting materials will be posted on the project website at www.lihoptimizationplan.com. Community members who are unable to attend a meeting will also have an opportunity to provide feedback through an online comment collector.
See below for the August meeting schedule:
- Aug. 11, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Elementary School Cafeteria, 2440 Kolo Rd., in Kīlauea
- Aug. 12, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the County Planning Commission Hearing Room, 4444 Rice St., in Līhuʻe
- Aug. 12, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Mahelona Hospital Auditorium, 4800 Kawaihau Rd., in Kapaʻa
- Aug. 13, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Kōloa Neighborhood Center, 3461B Weliweli Rd., in Kōloa
Requests for project information should be directed to Christina McWhorter, HDOT Airports Project Manager, 400 Rodgers Blvd., Suite 700, Honolulu, HI 96819; phone: 808-838-8817; or email: christina.f.mcwhorter@hawaii.gov.
Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English speaking persons is asked to contact Christina McWhorter as soon as possible.
