Improvements slated for Hilo airport

HILO — Millions of dollars will be spent upgrading Hilo International Airport over the next two years.

The airport is key to East Hawaii’s tourism, business travelers and vacation-loving residents. Known as General Lyman Field until 1989, Hilo International Airport includes a main runway that is 9,800 feet long and a 5,600-foot “crosswind” runway often used by private pilots.

The state budget includes more than $19 million for the airport during the biennium.

Federal funds in excess of $4 million are also on the way.

The money will provide safety renovations, remodels, additions and designs for future improvements.

A total of $10 million in federal funding is to be split by the airports in Hilo and Kona, including $4.43 million in Hilo for “drainage improvements needed to eliminate airfield ponding along the north and south shoulders” of the main, 9,800-foot runway “for aircraft safety purposes,” says a statement from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono.

State funds, with federal matching dollars, also will pay for noise “attenuation” for homes near the airport in Keaukaha.

The state budget shows state and federal matching dollars over the legislative biennium through 2019 will fund:

— $5.2 million for design and renovation of aircraft “aprons” where planes get parked;

— $7.3 million for terminal improvements, such as the ticket lobby and restrooms;

— $5.2 million, including $2 million in federal matching funds, for “noise attenuation” for homes near the airport;

— $1.5 million to create designs for improvements to the airport’s arcade, including enclosure of the second floor and adding air-conditioning.

Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.