Officials at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) broke ground this week on the new Mauka Concourse, which will deliver additional gate capacity capable of handling larger aircraft, along with 260,000 square feet of space designed to enhance the overall passenger experience.
The Mauka Concourse construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020.
The new $220 million two-level Mauka Concourse will connect with Terminal 1 (the current Interisland Terminal). The facility, which is expected to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, will accommodate eleven narrow-body aircraft or six wide-body aircraft. The second level departure area will include a new air-conditioned Transportation Security Administration checkpoint with six lanes to screen passengers faster and reduce the amount of time spent in security lines.
The concourse will feature a connecting walkway to Terminal 1, passenger hold rooms and boarding areas, restrooms, information kiosks and agricultural screening to allow for domestic departures.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation says it will continue its public-private partnership with airport concessionaires to add popular amenities such as retail and restaurant concessions in the new Mauka Concourse.
“We want the airport to be part of a person’s vacation experience and the new Mauka Concourse will help accomplish that goal,” says Peter Fithian, airport concessionaires committee chairman. “Passengers will be able to shop for fine merchandise or enjoy a meal or beverage in a relaxing environment before or after their flight.”
Airlines are on board with the project. “The project is really the tangible first step in the modernization of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and will add much needed gates to accommodate growing demand at Hawaii’s busiest airport,” says Blaine Miyasato, co-chair of the Airlines Committee of Hawaii. “We look forward to the opening of a new world class facility here in Honolulu.”
