Kahului’s workhorse runway is finally up for a major fix, and state transportation officials want residents to hear what that could mean for their flights. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will host a public informational meeting on Monday to outline plans for a significant reconstruction of Runway 2-20 at Kahului Airport, including how long-term work and at least temporary closures could affect airline schedules. The meeting presentation is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m. and run until about 7:30 p.m.
What HDOT Says Is Coming for Runway 2-20
The department plans to walk the public through conceptual alternatives for a full rebuild of Runway 2-20 and says a formal analysis of those options will be followed by an update to the Kahului Airport Master Plan, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. Officials note the runway, which carries most of Maui’s commercial jet traffic, has been in continuous use for more than 80 years and now needs extensive reconstruction. Planning work will include required regulatory permitting and environmental review.
When And Where To Show Up
The public meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Maui High School cafeteria at 660 Lono Ave., with the formal presentation slated to begin at 6:15 p.m., as reported by Maui Now. Anyone who needs auxiliary aids, language or sign interpreters, or other accommodations is asked to contact the project manager as early as possible so arrangements can be made.
Runway Options On The Table
Previous planning work has looked at lengthening Runway 2-20 and building a temporary parallel runway so airport operations could continue while reconstruction is underway, according to the Kahului Airport Master Plan Update. Those concepts would require extensive land-use coordination and environmental review. HDOT says the next update to the master plan will be launched after the current analysis of alternatives is complete.
Big Price Tag, Long Timeline
State officials have already flagged the likely cost of a full rebuild. Earlier reporting noted that pre-EIS work and design alone could feed into a project that may total up to $1 billion, and that the department has been seeking federal grants to keep runway upgrades moving, as reported by the Hawaii Tribune‑Herald. In the meantime, short-term resurfacing is expected to keep the aging runway usable for a few more years while long-range plans, funding and permits are locked in.
How To Weigh In
Requests for project information can be directed to Traci Lum, HDOT Airports Project Manager, by mail at 400 Rodgers Blvd., Suite 700, Honolulu, HI 96819; by phone at 808-838-8097; or by email at [email protected], as reported by Maui Now. HDOT is encouraging residents to show up in person for the meeting or send in questions ahead of time if they cannot attend.
