HONOLULU, HI – With the Festival of the Pacific Arts & Culture or FESTPAC less than four-months out, event commissioners held a news conference today announcing numerous preparations underway. FESTPAC will run from June 10-21, 2020 with events being held throughout Honolulu and Waikīkī. It will be the first time that Hawaiʻi will serve as FESTPAC host. Thousands of Pacific Islanders and visitors are expected to attend FESTPAC. This yearʻs theme is: E kū i ka hoe uli (Take hold of the steering paddle). “Our theme serves as a reminder to every Pacific Islander, that we are leading global discussions on climate change and its effect on the very identity of our island cultures,” said Senator English, who serves as FESTPAC Hawaiʻi Chairman. “It is a reminder to our young leaders to heed the call of our elders - to perpetuate and carry on our stories and practice our culture and ancestral knowledge.” FESTPAC is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different Oceania country. It was started by the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture at each festival. The first South Pacific Arts Festival was held in Fiji in 1972. In 1980, the event became the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture. Delegates from more than twenty oceanic nations are expected to participate in this year’s event. Throughout the 11 days there will be a Festival Village, cultural exchange and discussions, performances and exhibits. Opening ceremonies are slated to occur at ʻIolani Palace; and, closing ceremonies will take place at Kapiʻolani Park. Health, housing, security, and other precautionary measures are all part of FESTPAC planning.  FESTPAC Commissioners acknowledged that the event could not take place without the strong support of the Legislature, State agencies, Honolulu County and numerous sponsors. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) is among the key sponsors of FESTPAC.  HTA President and CEO Chris Tatum announced an allocation of $500,000 for the festival. “Our investment in this historic event is to ensure that all who come to FESTPAC Hawaiʻi will experience the beauty of our state and learn about our unique history that guides our values today,” said Tatum. FESTPAC Commissioners have worked with other sponsor partners including Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi to assist in housing Pacific Island delegates. A Hawaiʻi delegation has participated in every FESTPAC since 1976.  FESTPAC Commissioner and Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento is among the former delegates who represented Hawaiʻi at past festivals. She called the experiences, “eye opening.” “It’s important for Hawaiʻi to host FESTPAC, so we can remember who we are - that we come from a really rich legacy, because I think a lot of people have relegated in their minds that Hawaiians only exist in certain venues,” said Bento. Today’s FESTPAC announcement was held during the month’s end of honoring ‘ōlelo Hawaiʻi. For more information about FESTPAC Hawaiʻi 2020, including a list planned events and venues, visit www.festpachawaii.org. #FESTPAC #FESTPACHawaii #FESTPAC2020 #Hawaii #PolynesianCulture #PacificIslanders

Honolulu, Hawai‘i – State Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Kona) will be holding a legislative update meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2020, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Waimea Elementary School cafeteria, 67-1225 Hawaii Belt Road. Updates on bills that are being worked on in the Senate will be the focus of this meeting. Discussion of other issues of concern to the district and community will also be on the table. State Representative David Tarnas (North Kona, North Kohala, and South Kohala) and Hawai‘i County Councilman Tim Richards (North Kohala and South Kohala) will also be participating. #LegislativeUpdate #LorraineInouye #HawaiiIsland #CommunityMeeting #HawaiiSenate

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is seeking comments on overall goals for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in HDOT’s transportation contracts. DBEs are for-profit small businesses whose primary owner and management are considered socially and economically disadvantaged. Federal funding requirements call for state and local transportation agencies to set overall goals for the participation of DBEs in U.S. Department of Transportation-funded contracts. HDOT is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to current DBE and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program goals, new DBE and ACDBE goals for coming years, and methods HDOT will use to meet those goals. The public can participate through a meeting Monday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meeting locations by island are listed below: HONOLULU (OAHU) HDOT, 869 Punchbowl Street, 5th Floor Conference Room, Honolulu, HI 96813 KAHULUI (MAUI) VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE Highways Division Maui District Office, 650 Palapala Drive, Kahului, HI 96732 LIHUE (KAUAI) VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE Highways Division Kauai District Office, 1720 Haleukana Street, Lihue, HI 96766 HILO (HAWAII ISLAND) VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE Highways Division Hawaii District Office, 50 Makaala Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Comments can also be made online through March 11, 2020 via https://www.keenindependent.com/hdotdisparitystudy2019or through email to HDOTdisparitystudy2019@keenindependent.com If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Daniel Williams, Acting DBE Program Supervisor, at (808) 831-7914 or daniel.k.williams@hawaii.gov as soon as possible. Please make requests as early as possible to allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. DBE/ ACDBE Background As part of its implementation of the Federal DBE Program, HDOT conducted an Availability and Disparity Study to provide information about HDOT’s overall goals for DBE participation over the coming years and ways to achieve those goals. To view the draft study and learn more about HDOT’s DBE program, visit http://hidot.hawaii.gov/administration/ocr/dbe/ HDOT also operates the Federal Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program at many of its airports. It also develops goals for ACDBE participation in airport concessions and chooses methods to achieve those goals. HDOT is seeking public comment on the following overall DBE goals and its methods of meeting those goals for federal fiscal years 2020, 2021 and 2022 for: Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts. Federal Aviation Administration-funded contracts at Honolulu International Airport and Kahului Airport. HDOT is asking for public comment on proposed new overall DBE goals for federal fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 and methods of meeting those goals for: FAA-funded contracts for small hub primary airports (Kona, Hilo and Lihue). Federal Transit Administration-funded contracts. HDOT is also seeking public comment on ACDBE goals and its methods of meeting those goals for federal fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 for: Airport concessions for Honolulu International Airport and Kahului Airport. The draft study and other documents related to HDOT’s proposed DBE goals will also be made available during business hours (7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) at the HDOT Office of Civil Rights. The address for this office is: 200 Rodgers Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819. #Transportation #HDOT #Contracts #DisadvantagedBusinessEnterprises #DBE #FAA #FederalTransitAdministration #FederalAirportConcessions #FederalDBEProgram

HONOLULU – The Judicial Selection Commission has submitted the names of four nominees for the judicial vacancy in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (Hawai‘i Island). The position has been vacant since the retirement of Circuit Judge Greg K. Nakamura in November 2019. The commission has investigated the backgrounds and qualifications of the applicants and submitted the list of nominees to Gov. David Ige on Friday, Feb. 14. The nominees are: Jeffrey A. Hawk currently serves as an attorney and per diem judge of Family Court, Third Circuit. He earned his law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and is the recipient of the 1996 Bernard Levinson Award for Best Constitutional Law Paper. He also has a B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley. William B. Heflin is a partner and attorney at the law firm of Alcain Naniole & Heflin. He is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He has an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Honolulu Community College and a B.A. in History from Sopha University in Japan, where he also earned a 1st degree black belt in Aikido. Peter K. Kubota is an attorney in private practice with his own firm – Peter K. Kubota, Attorney at Law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He also attended the University of Oregon and earned a B.B.A in Finance at the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa College of Business. Jeffrey W.S. Ng is a senior trial deputy public defender with the State of Hawai‘i. He has a Juris Doctor degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan. Governor Ige will interview each nominee and is seeking public comment on the governor’s website at governor.hawaii.gov – Contact the Governor. The governor has 30 calendar days or until Mar. 15 to make his appointment, which is subject to Senate confirmation. #HawaiiJudiciary #HawaiiSenate #JeffreyNg #PeterKubota #WilliamHeflin #JeffreyHawk

DOH: The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) was notified today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that an adult male who traveled to Maui from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 and to Oahu from Feb. 3-7 has been confirmed for COVID-19. The individual is a Japanese national who developed severe symptoms, sought medical care, and was diagnosed and tested after leaving Hawaii and returning home to Japan. The Department of Health was informed that the individual had no symptoms while traveling on Maui and developed cold-like symptoms with no fever while staying on Oahu. The department has begun an investigation and is working closely with state, federal and county officials. A medical advisory was sent out today to alert the healthcare community in Hawaii to be vigilant about possible cases. “The Department of Health has been expecting and preparing for identifying a travel-related case in Hawaii because of the widespread outbreak in China and other areas of the world. The state is more than ready with aggressive control and prevention measures as we work closely with our medical community and response partners,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We are committed to keeping the public fully informed and will continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds.” “The individual had no symptoms while on Maui and was not contagious,” said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist. “There is no increased risk on Maui from possible exposure. On Oahu, the individual had cold-like symptoms with no fever. I have alerted physicians that it’s possible that cases may surface sometime before Feb. 21 because the onset of illness is generally within 14 days.” While traveling on Oahu, the individual stayed with his wife at a timeshare at the Grand Wakikian by Hilton Grand Vacations. The individual did not seek medical care in Hawaii and may have worn a mask during parts of his travel. DOH was informed that the individual wore a mask during his flight back to Japan. Using an mask when you are ill can protect others from becoming infected. The Department of Health is committed to sharing information as it becomes available.  People are urged not spread misinformation or inaccurate statements that are not confirmed, and keep updated and informed on the situation. Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay home when you are sick.Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Get your flu shot. With current seasonal influenza activity, it is likely there will be confusion as persons with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough. We strongly recommend residents 6 months and older protect themselves against flu by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination. For information on the 2019-nCoV outbreak, including information for clinicians and public health professionals, visit the following websites. health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019 www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china https://hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/ Call Aloha United Way’s 211 hotline for information by phone, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDF: DOH notified of confirmed COVID-19 case who traveled to Maui and Oahu

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige is heading to Japan on Saturday for a series of meetings to promote and expand travel to Hawai‘i, and make access easier through pre-clearance flights from Japan to Hawai‘i and the U.S. Approximately 1.5 million visitors come to Hawai‘i annually, spending about $2.5 billion a year. While in Japan, the governor will also meet with key stakeholders of the Thirty Meter Telescope to provide updates on the project. Gov. Ige leaves Honolulu on Saturday, Feb. 15. Lt. Gov. Joshua Green will serve as acting governor until Gov. Ige returns on Tuesday, Feb. 18. #DavidIge #HawaiiState #GovernorHawaii #Japan #Tourism #Transportation

Beach Goers & Ocean Users Advised to Exercise Caution During Salvage Operations To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/391348640 (Honolulu) – Salvage teams from Parker Marine will be working today and possibly tomorrow in another attempt to free sailing vessel Prelude from shallow waters off Kaimana Beach on O‘ahu’s south shore. The boat grounded on a reef, about 300 feet off-shore, on Sunday.  An earlier attempt to free it wasn’t successful due to strong winds, the water depth, and the position of the boat on the reef. The City and County of Honolulu’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation has issued a right-of-entry to the salvage company to access the boat from Kaimana Beach both Thursday and Friday. Mike Parker, the owner of the salvage company, said they hope to free the boat today but have Friday set aside as a backup. The company will be using an excavator to lift the boat out of the water once it’s moved close enough to shore. Anyone in the area, on the beach, or in the ocean is being cautioned to give the salvage operation wide berth. #PreludeBoat #KaimanaBeach #DLNR #ParkerMarine #HawaiiState

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs Oahu motorists of a right lane closure (eastbound direction) and lane shifts for the Farrington Highway Maipalaoa Bridge Replacement project in Maili. Work will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to install delineators and temporary striping that will allow HDOT to maintain three travel lanes (reduced from four lanes) during the replacement project. The closure and lane shift will also go into effect Tuesday. One eastbound (Honolulu bound) lane and two westbound lanes will be set up throughout the week, and to facilitate the afternoon commute. The middle lane will be contraflowed to provide two eastbound lanes for the morning commute, between the hours of 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. the following day, Monday through Friday. HDOT will monitor the contraflow and make any timing adjustments as needed. Motorists are advised to expect delays, use caution in the area and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of the workers. All roadwork is weather permitting. Follow HDOT on Twitter and Facebook for updates regarding this and other projects and lane closures. https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ You can also view a statewide list of roadwork and lane closures by visiting the following link at the HDOT website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/ Mahalo for your patience as we work to improve the condition and increase the safety of our bridges and roadways. More information here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/02/14/closure-and-lane-shift-on-farrington-highway-for-maipalaoa-bridge-replacement-to-begin-tues-feb-18/ #MaipalaoaBridge #FarringtonHighway #HDOT #Transportation #HawaiiState

HONOLULU – A new pest of avocado has been confirmed by Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) entomologists with the help of the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – Cooperative Extension Service (CTAHR-CES). The pest, avocado lace bug (Pseudacysta perseae), was first detected in Pearl City, O`ahu, in December 2019 and was subsequently identified on Hawai`i Island and from plants in retail outlets on Maui that were destroyed or treated. The avocado lace bug feeds on the leaves of avocado plants and extracts nutrients from foliage, causing gradual destruction of the leaves. The lace bug does not feed on the fruit itself but causes green to yellowish blotches on the leaves. Heavily damaged leaves become dry, may curl, drop prematurely and may cause reduction in fruit yields.  It is also known to feed on red bay and camphor on the U.S. Mainland. Adult lace bugs are about 2 millimeters long with black heads and mostly black bodies with a black stripe across the width of their lacy wings. (See photos) Immature avocado lace bugs can range in color from reddish to dark brown to black, depending on life stage. The eggs are black and look like specks of excrement and may be found in clusters on the undersides of the leaves. CTAHR-CES extension agents are currently working to determine effective treatment plans for various levels of infestations in Hawai`i. The avocado lace bug was described in Florida in the early 1900’s and has spread through the southeastern U.S. and into California. It is also found in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Portugal. It has not been determined how the lace bug was introduced in Hawai`i. Possible infestations should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at: hdoa.ppc@hawaii.gov Photos of the damage to avocado plants would also be helpful in identifying the cause. To view the Avocado Lace Bug flyer and field guide, go to: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/ppc/new-pest-advisories/ #Avocado #HDOA #AvocadoLaceBug #PestControl #Agriculture

Joint legislative package bills on schools facilities agency and affordable housing move out of committees HONOLULU – On Feb. 12, 2020, in decision-making hearings, the Senate Committees on Education, and Water and Land, approved two bills, with amendments, that are part of the 2020 joint legislative package to provide real economic benefits for Hawai‘i’s working-class families and individuals. Senate Bill 3103 was amended and passed the Water and Land Committee 4-0. The bill also passed the Senate Committee on Education on Feb. 11. The amendments include: Amending the powers of the agency to be able to hold title. Reducing the size of the board of the School Facilities Agency from 11 to 7 members. Inserting language prohibiting board members from having a financial stake in an entity that bids on projects authorized by the Agency or from having bid on a project within the last 12 months. Placing the agency board under the Sunshine Law requirements. Removing language moving the 3Rs program to the School Facilities Agency. Removing language moving the 3Ts program to the School Facilities Agency. Deleting the Special Education Facilities Improvement Fund and moving any remaining balance under the newly created School Facilities Special Fund. Allowing the Agency to issue their own bond financing. Allow the Agency to enter into public-private partnerships. Require that any construction or renovation projects for school lands that are adjacent to or have Hawaii State Public Library facilities on them consult with the Hawaii State Public Library System prior to project approval. Include the amendment suggested by the Department of Land and Natural Resources that would revert any lands not used for educational purposes. Include the Attorney General’s amendments for special fund conformity with Internal Revenue Service law. Include protections from the procurement code against bid-shopping. Include a Qualification Based Selection process for professional service contracts as currently outlined in 103-D. Taking the Ethics Commission’s recommendation to clarify the gifts and disclosure requirements are intended to be for gifts and contributions to the special fund and not employees who will still fall under current guidelines. It also takes the commission’s recommendation to delete the financial disclosure exemption. In its original form, the legislation establishes the School Facilities Agency to be responsible for all public school development, planning, and construction, related to capital improvement projects assigned by the Legislature, Governor, or Board of Education. The agency transfers statutes pertaining to the Hawaii 3Rs and 3Ts programs to a new School Facilities Agency statutory subpart, places management of school impact fees with the agency, and appropriates funds. Senate Bill 3104 was amended and passed the Water and Land Committee 5-0, two voting with reservations. The bill also passed the Senate Committee on Housing on Feb. 11. The amendments include: Adding a requirement under Part II for the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to submit a program to the Legislature by December 31, 2020, to address various concerns raised in testimony including, but not limited to, ending the housing shortage by producing enough supply to meet demand of Hawaii residents; ensuring the lowest sales price possible; that development be limited to Hawaii residents and owner-occupants who own no other real property; maximizing walkability and minimizing private vehicles and traffic; minimizing short-term rentals; inclusion of Native Hawaiians; the enforcement of Chapter 104 for construction of leasehold property; maximizing availability to Hawaii residents at all income levels; producing a demonstration project; minimizing the financial burden to state taxpayers; ensuring excellence of maintenance and repairs; prioritizing neighbors and residents impacted by the development; and preventing windfall profits to buyers who resell their units. Add land set aside to HHFDC to HRS 171-64.7 to ensure legislative approval for alienation of the fee interest in state lands. Require “majority of development” to refer to the square footage of the development. Require “affordable housing” on page 11, line 20, with a three-part requirement for Hawaii residents, owner-occupants, and own no other real property, in perpetuity. Give the Housing Advocate the power to set aside lands from a state agency to a housing agency (HHFDC, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority [HPHA], and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands [DHHL]), subject to legislative approval. Set a defect date. Clarify that county authority does not extend to conservation districts. DBAs will be limited to lands contiguous to the urban district. Add language requiring the transfer of units to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs/DHHL. All the units will be priced to be affordable to families making 80% of Area Median Income, provided that no income restrictions or first-time homebuyer requirements apply. Replace Section 3 with an amendment to HRS 171-2 to exempt real property set aside by the Governor or leased by any state department or agency for a period not to exceed 99 years. Request that the appropriation language in Section 6 be broadened to provide HHFDC with the added flexibility to fund those regional infrastructure projects that will enable the completion of housing projects as quickly as possible, including lands located within one mile of a rail transit station. HHFDC will require at least three full-time project manager positions to oversee the infrastructure work funded by this bill. Numerous new language regarding the HHFDC, HPHA, Office of Planning, OHA, the University of Hawaii, Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Hawaiian Community Assets. In its original form, the legislation authorizes the HHFDC to lease real property for a period not to exceed 99 years for the development of certain projects that include affordable housing. It requires the HHFDC to submit a report to the legislature that identifies all state lands that may be developed for multi-unit dwellings. The bill authorizes the issuance of $200 million in general obligation bonds, with the proceeds used for the establishment of infrastructure to support the development of housing on lands near the University of Hawaiʻi West Oahu campus. Senate Bill 3104 authorizes the issuance of $75 million in general obligation bonds, with the proceeds used for affordable housing infrastructure in counties with a resident population of 500,000 or less. It authorizes a state or county department or agency to petition the appropriate county land use decision-making authority, rather than the Land Use Commission, for a change in the boundary of a district involving land areas between 15 acres and 25 acres where the majority of the development will be for affordable housing. The bill authorizes the State Historic Preservation Division to delegate the responsibility of historic preservation project reviews to the impacted county. It establishes the Office of the Housing Ombudsman, and removes the existing statutory cap on the amount of conveyance tax revenues that are deposited into the rental housing revolving fund each fiscal year. The Committee on Housing is chaired by Senator Stanley Chang, with Senator Michelle Kidani chairing the Committee on Education, and Senator Kaiali‘i Kahele chairing the Committee on Water and Land. #SB3104 #JoinLegislativePackage #WaterLand #HILeg2020 #HHFDC #HawaiiSenate #HIHouseDems #StanleyChang #MichelleKidani#KaiKahele

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), Highways Division, invites the community to an informational meeting regarding a proposed pedestrian bridge between Whitmore Village and Wahiawa Town. The meeting is scheduled at the following time and location: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Helemano Elementary School Cafeteria 1001 Ihi Ihi Avenue Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786 The proposed project is to create an additional multimodal connector from Whitmore Village to the Wahiawa Transit Center. This would consist of constructing a shared use bicycle/pedestrian facility from Whitmore Village to Wahiawa Town, which includes a new non-vehicular bridge over Kiikii stream. The purpose of the meeting is to apprise the public about the project, to solicit input on the design and site selection process, and any issues (e.g. environmental, social) that are important to the community. Work on this project is currently in the environmental compliance and preliminary engineering phase. The meeting is accessible for individuals with disabilities. To request language interpretation, an auxiliary aid or special services (e.g. sign language interpreter, accessible parking, materials in alternate format), please contact Ms. Holly Yuen prior to the meeting date. Please submit requests in a timely manner to allow an adequate period to fulfill requests. Ms. Holly Yuen, Project Manager HDOT Highways Division 869 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, HI 96813 808-692-7548 Holly.Yuen@hawaii.gov Text telephone (TTY) users may use the telecommunication relay service (TRS) to contact HDOT. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, braille, or electronic copy. #HDOT #WAHIAWA #WahiawaPedestrianBridge #DonovanDelaCruz #HawaiiSenate

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), the U.S. Army (Army), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are engaged in continued dialogue regarding the termination of HDOT’s lease with the Army of the Dillingham Airfield (HDH). HDOT sent HDH tenants a notification letter confirming that their 30-day revocable permits will cease effective June 30, 2020. “The operations and lease arrangements at Dillingham Airfield have been the subject of ongoing discussions with our federal partners for the past eight years. While we understand the tenants will need to adjust to having to move their operations from HDH, there are other available options within the State’s airport system,” said Director Jade Butay, Hawaii Department of Transportation. “HDOT cannot continue to assume the million-dollar financial loss every year subsidizing the tenants at a facility we do not own or control, combined with the risk of losing federal funds if we continue management under the current conditions.” “The Army appreciates the HDOT support in operating and managing the Dillingham Airfield for more than four decades and is beginning the process of transitioning the facility back to military management,” said Col. Thomas Barrett, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii. “Our staff is diligently working to assess the way forward and is analyzing the possible impacts related to the lease transfer. This will be a detailed process involving extensive coordination with State and Federal agencies. First and foremost, the Army must fulfill its requirements of military training, readiness, response, security and safety. We will not take any action that will impact our ability to fulfill these critical responsibilities.” For additional information and to view the previous HDOT news release on the subject please click here. #HDOT #DillinghamAirfield #USArmy #StateOfHawaii #FAA