Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Aviation Subcommittee, commended the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation today, for its decision to revoke its notice of early termination of the Department of the Army’s Lease for Kawaihāpai (Dillingham) Airfield.
In a letter to Army officials, the DOT indicated the termination date of the Lease is now its term end date of July 5, 2024. Earlier this year, the DOT indicated a December 31, 2021 lease termination date.
“The Hawaiʻi DOT’s decision to revoke its notice of early termination of its lease with the Army allows for much needed continued dialogue about the future of Kawaihāpai Airfield,” said Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele. “Since taking office, my staff and I have made a concerted effort to find long-term solutions for the ongoing maintenance and operations to maximize the potential of Kawaihāpai. The Airfield is a critical economic driver for the North Shore and serves as an educational epicenter for aspiring local pilots as well as the general aviation, and skydiving communities.”
- February 2021: Rep. Kahele convenes with multiple stakeholders that included Hawaiʻi government officials, DOT leadership, representatives from the Army and community stakeholders to discuss the current state and future of Kawaihāpai.
- March 2021: Rep. Kahele sends a letter to Hawaiʻi DOT to request extension of the deadline for tenant evictions until July 2024.
- August 2021: Rep. Kahele secures report language during the HASC mark-up on the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act to direct the Secretary of the Army to report on the current status and long term options for Kawaihāpai, including an assessment of whether this property is in excess and could be returned to the State of Hawaiʻi.