The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has granted a total of $17 million to the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) for enhancements to the fire safety systems at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
The initial grant of $7.3 million is designated for the replacement of the fire alarm system within the International Arrivals Building of Terminal 2. This project will involve the installation of new fire alarm control panels, an upgrade to the central fire alarm annunciator display system that provides real-time updates on fire detection status, as well as the replacement and addition of fire alarm devices.
The second grant, amounting to $9.7 million, will support improvements to the fire sprinkler system in Terminal 2. This includes the installation of new fire sprinkler mains, the removal of the existing deluge system, the integration of the fire sprinkler system with the fire alarm system, and modifications or replacements of switches and wiring to ensure seamless operation. HDOT plans to initiate the bidding process for these projects in Spring 2025.
These grants, provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of the Biden Administration, are part of the FAA’s ongoing efforts to enhance runways, air traffic control towers, and other essential infrastructure at airports across the country.
“We appreciate the continued support from the Biden Administration, the FAA, and our congressional delegation as we work to improve our fire detection and suppression systems at airports throughout the state,” stated Ed Sniffen, Director of Transportation for Hawaii.
Additionally, HDOT is implementing fire safety system upgrades at Kahului Airport, Hilo International Airport, and Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keāhole.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, commonly referred to as Honolulu International Airport, serves as the principal and largest airport in the state of Hawaii. It is named in honor of Daniel Inouye, a native of Honolulu and a Medal of Honor recipient, who represented Hawaii in the United States Senate from 1963 until his passing in 2012. The airport is situated in the Honolulu census-designated area, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of the central business district of Honolulu. Spanning an area of 4,220 acres (1,710 hectares), it accounts for over 1% of the total land area of Oahu.
Daniel K. Inouye Airport provides nonstop service to numerous destinations across North America, Asia, and Oceania. It functions as the primary hub for Hawaiian Airlines and also serves as a base for Aloha Air Cargo. Furthermore, the airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for the years 2017–2021, where it is classified as a large-hub primary commercial service facility.
