The Airport Master Plan
An Airport Master Plan is the blueprint for future construction of an airport’s physical facilities.  It identifies the facilities that will be needed in the future, determines how to finance them and lays out the timetable for their development.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) relies on Airport Master Plans when it determines the distribution of federal airport funds.  Generally, only projects that are included on an Airport Master Plan receive federal funding, so the master plan needs to be updated periodically.

From now until the summer of 2008, the Kona International Airport Master Planning Team will:

• Accurately describe current conditions at Kona International Airport, including passenger, aircraft and ground traffic, concessionaire services, etc.
• Forecast anticipated growth in demand over the next ten years
• Identify facility improvements needed to meet the anticipated growth
• Update the current master plan to include the recommended improvements
• Establish a schedule for development of the improvements
• Estimate the cost of improvements and develop a financial plan.

West Hawai`i has experienced rapid growth of its resident and visitor populations.  The resulting increase in air traffic at Kona International Airport, combined with the increased security demands of the post-9/11 world, make this Update particularly important. The Master Planning Team is charged with meeting these challenges, while preserving and enhancing the unique atmosphere of Kona International Airport, which is often described as “inviting,” tropical,” and “laid back.”

The Update process is highly collaborative, involving professionals with expertise in the various aspects of airport designs and operations interacting with the many stakeholders in the airport and its operations, ranging from the commercial airlines and other travel-related businesses, to government agencies, to the traveling public.  In particular, the involvement of Kona residents is critical to the success of the Update, so numerous opportunities are provided for public input at regular Public Information Meetings and through the “Your Comments” page of this website.