The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 20 that all airports in the state, including smaller facilities on neighbor islands, remain open and operational despite national reports about possible closures due to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and funding issues affecting the Transportation Security Administration.
This announcement comes as concerns rise nationwide over potential disruptions at small airports because of federal funding uncertainties. The department said it is working closely with federal partners to ensure continued service for residents and visitors.
“All of our airports, including our smaller airports on the neighbor islands are vital transportation links for our residents and visitors and they will remain open to serve the traveling public,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “HDOT is in close communication with our federal partners impacted by the partial shutdown and we want to thank them for keeping our airports staffed and ensuring they remain operational, while minimizing disruptions to travelers. We appreciate the commitment of our dedicated federal workers and their families, who are again facing uncertainty due to the partial shutdown. We will continue to support these individuals who we work closely with on a daily basis, so they can continue to provide critical service to air travelers.”
The Hawaii Department of Transportation manages multiple facilities across the state, including several airports serving both domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and an extensive highway system according to its official website. The department operates as part of the executive branch of Hawaii’s government according to its official website.
Across six major Hawaiian islands, HDOT oversees 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains 2,450 lane miles of highways according to its official website. Its services extend throughout all six major islands according to its official website, aiming for a safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth and quality of life according to its official website.
The department also collaborates with various federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration, as well as county planning departments according to its official website.
As developments regarding federal funding continue nationally, HDOT says it will maintain communication with partners and support staff efforts so that airport operations in Hawai‘i remain uninterrupted.