Hilo International Airport will receive $16.8 million in federal funds to build an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Building, Sen. Mazie Hirono announced. This funding will be used to help Hilo airport meet federal safety requirements and extend the life of ARFF equipment by protecting it from adverse weather conditions.
“Hawaii’s people and businesses rely on safe, efficient air transportation and today’s announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration furthers this important objective,” said Hirono. “The federal resources announced today are a significant investment in improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities at Hilo International Airport and will also help ensure that Hawaii’s aviation professionals have the most up to date systems in place to share information, reduce risk, and promote safety.”
The grant funding will be distributed over the next two years, with approximately $5.6 million this year and the remaining approximately $11.2 next year. Hilo Airport will get another $100,000 to develop a Safety Management System Implementation Plans.