THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1368

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO AIRFIELDS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Kawaihapai Airfield, also known as Dillingham Airfield, has been a vital economic and tourism contributor to the economy of Oahu's north shore.  In 2019, the airfield had 33,805 aircraft operations, more than Kapalua, Lanai, and Kalaupapa regional airports combined.  The legislature further finds that the small business tenants at Kawaihapai Airfield generate over $12,000,000 in yearly revenues and employ over one hundred and thirty people, which include flight instructors, pilots, aircraft maintenance personnel, tour operators, office staff, and more.

     The legislature also finds that Kawaihapai Airfield is recognized around the world as a premier recreational skydiving and gliding destination.  For example, the Travel Channel listed Kawaihapai Airfield as one of the best places in the world to skydive.  The travel website TripAdvisor recognized Paradise Air Hang Gliding, a tenant at Kawaihapai Airfield, as one of the top ten per cent of attractions worldwide.

     The legislature finds that the department of transportation leases Kawaihapai Airfield from the United States Department of the Army.  The lease is currently set to terminate July 5, 2024.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish the Kawaihapai Airfield revitalization task force to address issues currently present that risk the closure of Kawaihapai Airfield.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established the Kawaihapai Airfield revitalization task force, to be placed in the department of transportation for administrative purposes.

     (b)  The task force shall address the issues necessary to keep Kawaihapai Airfield open and operating safely, including but not limited to:

     (1)  Securing a long-term lease with the United States Department of the Army;

     (2)  Resolving the permanent management of water infrastructure on the site;

     (3)  Ensuring all airfield structures and infrastructure obtain and meet all required permits and applicable standards;

     (4)  Ensuring all airfield operations meet all applicable safety requirements and best practices; and

     (5)  Ensuring that tenants are up to date on financial obligations to the State.

     (c)  The task force shall consist of the following members or their designees:

     (1)  The director of the department of transportation, who shall serve as chair;

     (2)  The chair of the senate committee on transportation;

     (3)  The chair of the house of representatives committee on transportation;

     (4)  Two representatives of the commercial business tenants of Kawaihapai Airfield;

     (5)  Two representatives of the private tenants of Kawaihapai Airfield;

     (6)  A representative of the local community with history in the area;

     (d)  The chair shall invite the following members, or their designees to participate in the task force:

     (1)  Members of the State's Congressional delegation;

     (2)  A representative of the United States Department of the Army;

     (3)  Any other individual who the task force believes would be beneficial.

     (e)  The department of transportation and all stakeholders shall work in good faith to address these and any other issues necessary to keep Kawaihapai Airfield open and operating safely; provided that a plan to resolve these issues can be agreed upon by airfield stakeholders no later than June 30, 2021.

     (f)  The task force shall submit a report of its progress, plans to resolve and address each of the issues identified in section 2(b) of this Act, and any recommendations to the legislature, no later than June 30, 2021.  The task force shall submit a report with updates on the progress of implementation of the plan no later than January 1, 2022, and a final report by June 30, 2022.

     (g)  The task force shall dissolve on June 30, 2022.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.


 


 

Report Title:

Dillingham Airfield; Kawaihapai Airfield; Department of Transportation; Lease; U.S. Army; Economic Feasibility Study

 

Description:

Creates the Kawaihapai Airfield Revitalization Task Force to keep Kawaihapai Airfield open, provided that necessary issues are addressed.  Requires the task force to report to the legislature.  Sunsets on June 30, 2022.  (SD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.