KAILUA-KONA — The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole will get $10 million to go toward an aircraft rescue and firefighting training facility.
The grant money comes as part of a total $24.1 million in funds coming to state airports from the Federal Aviation Administration for improvement projects.
DOT spokesperson Tim Sakahara said the new facility is a “very big opportunity” for emergency responders.
The new facility will be available for not just aircraft rescue and firefighters around the state but also county and federal firefighters.
“And even firefighters around the Pacific Basin and world really could come in and use it and train as well,” he said.
In May, the state House of Representatives approved $88.4 million for a slate of improvements at the airport, which included funds for an aircraft rescue and fire fighting command center. That also included funding for a new agriculture inspection station, a federal inspection station and other improvements.
In July, a separate grant worth $864,162 was announced for the acquisition of an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, according to an FAA grant report.
The $24.1 million coming to the state also includes $12 million for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Kalaeloa Airport on Oahu will get $2.1 million. A statement from the Hawaii Department of Transportation said the amount of funding airports receive is based on activity levels and funding needs.