Hawaii airfield secures 50-year lease
AOPA, pilots celebrate fending off closure threat
Airport advocates spent years negotiating the benefits of maintaining Hawaii's Kawaihāpai Airfield, formerly known as Dillingham Airfield, a public- and military-use airport located on the north shore of Oahu.
On July 5, state officials and stakeholders announced a 50-year lease between the U.S. Army and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT). The joint-use agreement is the first of its kind at Dillingham and will guarantee military training and numerous aviation small businesses can continue to operate concurrently.
“Preserving Kawaihāpai Airfield for the foreseeable future is not only a victory for aviation and the airport users, but it is also a victory for North Shore communities who will know a critical transportation lifeline is protected for an island state should it be needed,” said Yoshiki. “The patience, persistence, and collaboration by Ben Devine, our ASN volunteer, and the open lines of communication established between airport sponsors and elected officials provides a clear example for how we can approach every airport issue we come across to achieve positive outcomes.”
Over the yearslong debate regarding the future of the field, negotiations hit several roadblocks. Of prominent importance was the status of a degraded water system located at the airport, which had been leaking millions of gallons of potable water intended for residential and non-airport users.
The Army and Hawaii DOT recently came to an agreement on several conditions and all involved are celebrating the final agreement, which will meet joint and individual needs and address concerns raised—including providing uninterrupted water services to affected communities. The long-term lease also makes Dillingham eligible for federal grants to address infrastructure needs, something the field has not been eligible to receive for the past 10 years due to lease uncertainty.
“Kawaihāpai Airfield plays a significant role in aircraft training for civilians and the military and a significant role in a healthy, diversified economy,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green in a press release. “I’m proud that as a state we are able to come together with the varied stakeholders at Dillingham to continue to operate as a civil aviation resource and reach a mutual solution for water delivery.”
Airport advocacy is at the forefront of AOPA’s mission, and this long-term lease agreement for Dillingham Airfield illustrates the value AOPA brings to promoting GA and supporting airports.
“This incredible effort would not have been possible without the continued leadership from Governor Green, Hawaii state Rep. Amy Perruso, Hawaii DOT Director Ed Sniffen, and Col. McGunegle,” said Yoshiki. “While each airport is unique, preserving Dillingham Airfield illustrates how collaboration and being solutions-oriented can overcome major obstacles.”
