Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole will receive more than $13 million in federal funds after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $10 billion aid package to support airports nationwide.
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Airport Grant Program, the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $133 million in aid to 15 Hawaii airports in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support the airports’ continuing operations and replace lost revenue.
Little over half the total package will go to supporting Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, which will receive more than $74 million. More than $6 million will go to the Hilo International Airport, while the Waimea-Kohala and Upolu airports will receive $69,000 and $1,000, respectively.
The CARES Act will also increase the federal share of certain 2020 airport improvement grants to 100%, allowing improvement projects at airports nationwide to continue regardless of the airports’ financial straits.