Gov. Linda Lingle announced Saturday that she has released $303,000 for capital improvement projects to the Lihu’e Airport baggage claim area. The funds will pay for the design of two enlarged baggage claim carousels. One is to be in the
Gov. Linda Lingle announced Saturday that she has released $303,000 for capital improvement projects to the Lihu’e Airport baggage claim area.
The funds will pay for the design of two enlarged baggage claim carousels. One is to be in the Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage claim area and the other at Aloha Airline’s baggage claim.
Federal funds are covering a share of the cost of the total project, which has a price tag of $4.2 million.
“Improving and expanding the baggage claim facilities will make it much easier for travelers to pick up their luggage and get on their way,” said Marsha Wienert, the state’s tourism liaison, in a press release. “The state is committed to making the airport experience as stress-free and convenient as possible for our residents and visitors, as well as airport employees, and this upgrade is part of that overall plan.”
In May $3.6 million was released by the governor for projects at the airport, including the construction of a general aviation “apron,” or aircraft parking area, to allow aircraft to have better access to airport businesses for repairs, supplies and other services.
Also on the way is the construction of two taxiways to the apron, installing apron and taxiway lights, and adding two wash racks with oil-water separators.
Once the apron is completed, airport tenants will be allowed to permanently rebuild facilities destroyed by Hurricane ‘Iniki. The project also includes relocating the local National Weather Service office to a new site at the airport.
