The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) will receive $22m from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to construct a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Kahului Airport (OGG).
The new two-storey security screening checkpoint at the south end of the ticket lobby will house multiple TSA screening lanes.
Travellers will notice the improvements when departing the airport and TSA employees will enjoy a more comfortable working environment
TSA screening capacity will increase by up to six additional lanes
“Kahului Airport is an important resource for our residents and visitors, and the vibrant Hawaii economy. This project highlights our continued efforts to bring in more federal dollars to upgrade our airports across the state to address our needs for the future now,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation director Ed Sniffen.
“We are committed to an airport system that prioritises a safe and enjoyable kerb-to-plane experience and will continue to work with our partners to deliver efficiently while minimising costs to the public.”
The project at OGG, the second busiest airport in Hawaiʻi, will increase the TSA screening capacity by up to six additional lanes. The north checkpoint and its lanes will remain operational, and as part of the multimillion-dollar project, that checkpoint will be upgraded by enclosing it and adding air conditioning.
“We are grateful for the investment our federal and state partners are making in TSA security screening operations at Kahului Airport. Travellers will notice the improvements when departing the airport and TSA employees will ultimately enjoy a more comfortable environment when working in the new space,” said TSA federal security director for Hawai‘i and the Pacific, Nanea Vasta. “During the construction phases of this project, we remain committed to providing the most effective and efficient security operation while reflecting the aloha spirit of the islands.”
The new south checkpoint is part of a larger project at OGG
In the past year, HDOT worked closely with the TSA to bring in canine units to try and help with long security lines at OGG. Large tents were also put up as protection from the elements while passengers waited to be screened, and now those tents are used as shelter for anyone being picked up kerbside.
The new south checkpoint waiting lobby, screening lanes, and TSA support spaces will be located on the second floor. Other airport support spaces and tenant retail opportunities will be on the ground floor.
A pedestrian bridge will connect the new south checkpoint at OGG to a passenger hold room and will span an existing service road.
The new OGG project will pursue LEED Silver Certification for the building, looking to maximise energy-saving measures, such as more efficient LED lighting and photovoltaic opportunities to offset energy consumption.
The OGG project will cost $62.3m. Work is expected to begin in the summer of 2024 and to be completed by the end of 2025.
Images: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation
