Hawaii DOT-Airports Seeks Input on Lihue Airport Optimization Plan

Community members, officials, and vendors attend meetings to provide feedback on airport improvement proposals.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

The Hawaii Department of Transportation-Airports Division is gathering public input on its Lihue Airport Optimization Plan, which aims to improve safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience at the island's only commercial airport. More than a dozen people attended a meeting on Wednesday, with another scheduled for this evening, to learn about the plan and offer feedback. The plan is based on input received during a 2022 master plan update.

Why it matters

As Kauai's sole commercial airport, Lihue Airport is critical infrastructure that supports the island's residents, visitors, cargo, and emergency services. Optimizing the airport's operations and facilities is important for the community, and gathering public input helps ensure the plan aligns with local values and concerns.

The details

The Lihue Airport Optimization Plan aims to improve safety, enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, and enhance the passenger experience at the airport. The plan was developed based on feedback received during a 2022 master plan update. The HDOT-Airports Division is hosting a series of public meetings to present information about the plan and gather input from community members, county officials, airport vendors, and local leaders.

  • The first public meeting was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • Another public meeting is scheduled for the evening of March 5, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm.

The players

Hawaii Department of Transportation-Airports Division

The state agency responsible for managing and operating Lihue Airport, the only commercial airport on the island of Kauai.

Lihue Airport Optimization Plan

A plan developed by the HDOT-Airports Division to improve safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience at Lihue Airport.

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What’s next

The HDOT-Airports Division will continue gathering public feedback on the Lihue Airport Optimization Plan through the public meetings and the project website. The feedback will help shape the final plan and improvement proposals.

The takeaway

The Lihue Airport Optimization Plan represents an important effort to modernize and improve the island's critical transportation infrastructure in a way that aligns with community values. By actively engaging the public, the HDOT-Airports Division is ensuring the plan addresses the needs and concerns of Kauai residents and businesses.