No More Waiting in Long Lines at the Kahului Airport!

Posted on December 18, 2012 at 2:10 PM by Ryan Piros

Mayor Alan Arakawa attended the Dedication Ceremony for the Passenger Security Screening Checkpoint Expansion Project at the Kahului Airport this morning.

"Being voted the Best Island by Conde Nast Traveler's Magazine for 19 years in a row sets a high standard for our residents and visitors alike," said Mayor Arakawa. "We have to ensure that the experience in our county - whether it be a family vacation or a business trip - is sealed by a hassle-free, secure and efficient time at the Kahului airport."

Accordingly, the State of Hawaii, Dept. of Transportation, Airport Division (DOT-A), the Airlines Committee of Hawaii (ACH), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) worked together to conceptualize, develop and implement this project to increase the number of passenger screening lanes from six to nine.  The additional capacity is anticipated to materially reduce wait times, reducing passengers' stress and anxiety, as well as providing longer dwell times for concession purchases.

(TSA Regional Director William Pursley showing Sen. J. Kalani English, Mayor Arakawa, Governor's Liaison Joann Inamasu some of the new features of the passenger security screening checkpoint at the Kahului Airport. Such as the Body Scanner seen in the background.)

As a result of the collaborative relationship between the DOT-A, ACH and TSA, this project went from concept to completion in less than seven months, enabling the additional passenger screening lanes to be operational prior to the hectic end of the year holiday travel period.

Group photo after the blessing and untying of the Maile Lei. (L-R) Blaine Miyasato (Airlines committee of Hawaii Co-Chair), Mayor Arakawa, William Pursley (TSA Regional Director), Kahu Wayne Higa, Sen. J. Kalani English, Joann Inamasu (Governor's Liaison), Ford Fuchigami (Deputy Director State Dept. of Transportation), Marvin Moniz (District Airport Manager)

The next time you travel, tell us your thoughts about the new security facility. Was your experience faster and more convenient?