In a significant development, Governor Josh Green, M.D., alongside Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Director Ed Sniffen and U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i Commander Col. Steve McGunegle, announced a new 50-year lease agreement for Kawaihāpai Airfield, formerly known as Dillingham Airfield. The lease ensures continued economic activity and stability for the North Shore community. The negotiations for the lease began over a decade ago and gained momentum under the leadership of Col. McGunegle and the collaborative efforts of local legislators and community stakeholders. The agreement allows for long-term plans, infrastructure investments, and support for the airfield's tenants and employees. It also includes the continued operation and maintenance of the Dillingham Public Water System. The airfield will continue to serve as a critical resource for military training and civilian aviation activities. The lease agreement opens opportunities for federal grants to support infrastructure improvements, including runway enhancements, terminal upgrades, and hangar developments. This collaboration between the state and the military sets a precedent for future partnerships. [4ec32e45]
This new lease agreement for Kawaihāpai (Dillingham) Airfield in Hawai‘i ensures continued economic activity and stability for the North Shore community. The negotiations for the lease began over a decade ago and gained momentum under the leadership of Col. Steve McGunegle and the collaborative efforts of local legislators and community stakeholders. The agreement allows for long-term plans, infrastructure investments, and support for the airfield's tenants and employees. It also includes the continued operation and maintenance of the Dillingham Public Water System. The airfield will continue to serve as a critical resource for military training and civilian aviation activities. The lease agreement opens opportunities for federal grants to support infrastructure improvements, including runway enhancements, terminal upgrades, and hangar developments. This collaboration between the state and the military sets a precedent for future partnerships. [4ec32e45]