Construction work is expected to ramp up at two Hawai‘i airports after the Federal Aviation Administration allocated $30.6 million to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for significant upgrades as part of a broader initiative by the Biden Administration.

The money earmarked for projects at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG) is part of a $970 million national effort to bolster airport infrastructure under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Hawai‘i’s transportation sector is set to benefit greatly, with critical improvements planned at two of the state’s busiest airports.

At HNL, $22 million is earmarked for concrete spalling repairs along the Terminal 2 roadway, used by the Wiki Wiki shuttle, along with expansion of passenger sidewalks and upgrades to lighting and electrical systems along the airport’s Diamond Head concourse.

On Maui, OGG will receive approximately $8.6 million to construct a new, multi-level security screening checkpoint on the southern end of the ticketing lobby, which is expected to help increase efficiency and capacity of passenger processing at the airport. The new checkpoint will be equipped with six TSA screening lanes and will be connected to Hold Room A by a pedestrian bridge spanning an existing service road.

Ed Sniffen, Hawai‘i state director of transportation, expressed gratitude for the federal support, emphasizing its role in advancing the state’s airport modernization efforts.

“We appreciate the support of the Biden Administration, the FAA and our congressional delegation to dedicate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds toward our ongoing efforts to modernize Hawai‘i’s airports,” Sniffen said in a news release. “This investment in our airports will allow us to continue to improve operational efficiencies, prioritize safety, security and accessibility, and enhance the overall airport experience for visitors and residents.”