PUBLIC NOTICE
LIHU’E AIRPORT OPTIMIZATION PLAN – PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will hold a series of public meetings to provide information to the community about the Lihu’e Airport Optimization Plan (LAOP) and to offer an opportunity for public input.
As the only commercial service airport on Kaua’i, Lihu’e Airport plays a critical role in supporting residents, visitors, cargo, and emergency services. Based on previous feedback received and earlier studies, HDOT launched the Lihu’e Airport Optimization Plan to take a more focused and direct approach to addressing current airport challenges.
The purpose of the LAOP is to optimize existing airport facilities to improve safety, enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, and improve the passenger experience, while remaining responsive to community values and concerns.
Community members are invited to attend any of the following meetings to learn more about the project’s goals and objectives and to provide input on proposed improvements. The same information will be presented at each meeting and a recording of the presentation and the meeting materials will be posted at the project website: www.lihoptimizationplan.com. There will also be an online comment collector so that those who cannot attend in person will still be able to share their mana’o!
PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Kilauea Elementary School Cafeteria
2440 Kolo Rd, Kilauea
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
County Planning Commission Hearing Room
4444 Rice St, Lihu’e
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mahelona Hospital Auditorium
4800 Kawaihau Rd, Kapa’a
Thursday, March 5, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Koloa Neighborhood Center
3461B Weliweli Rd, Koloa
Requests for project information should be sent to Ms. Traci Lum, HDOT Airports Project Manager, 400 Rodgers Blvd., Suite 700, Honolulu, HI 96819-1880; phone: 808-838-8817; or email: traci.h.lum@hawaii.gov.
Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English speaking persons, is asked to contact Traci Lum as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats.
(TGI1521060 2/25, 2/28/26)
