DOTA Stakeholders met to discuss the future of the Honolulu Airport South Ramp

HONOLULU – In January 28, 2020, the group DOTA (Department of Transportation Airport) stakeholders met to discuss the redevelopment and future projects of the south ramp in Honolulu Airport.

The experts hired by the DOT have suggested a plan for better airport use over the next 20 years. Based on industry data, they predict that cargo operations will need three times more space, while general aviation (private and charter flights) will need twice as much. Meanwhile, maintenance facilities, security, and firefighting services will likely stay the same in terms of space needs.

The HDOT and its contractors have outlined a plan to maximize the available south ramp space for future airport needs, with some adjustments to infrastructure. The proposal includes shifting “Taxiway Charlie,” removing taxiway RB, and building a new taxiway to free up space on the Ewa side. Under this plan, air cargo operations would move to the west side of the south ramp, displacing existing T-hangars and general aviation parking, which would be relocated to the Diamond Head end. Some airport support facilities may be moved to the Kalewa subdivision, requiring changes to Lagoon Drive and the airport service road. A notable feature of the plan is the use of floating docks along Lagoon Drive (Sea Lane 04) for helicopter operations during the day. While no stakeholder appears to be negatively impacted at first glance, the details of execution will be critical. Attendees at the meeting pointed out the challenge of relocating operations without disrupting business. Many likened the complexity of implementation to a game of Tetris. The removal of T-hangars is likely to happen first, making it important to closely monitor plans for small aircraft parking and hangar space as the proposal moves forward.

Meetings with individual stakeholder groups such as air cargo, general aviation, and helicopter operations, are scheduled for late February to go over the details of the “preferred alternative” plan and its implementation.

 

 

 

Reference

  1. Gert de Couet, H. (Jan 31, 2020) Second DOTA meeting with Honolulu South Ramp Tenants – concerning the future of South Ramp utilization. Flying in Hawaii. https://flyinginhawaii.com/second-dota-meeting-with-honolulu-south-ramp-tenants-concerning-the-future-of-south-ramp-utilization/