In an unforeseen turn of events, Kona International Airport faced an abrupt closure on Monday evening, attributing the unexpected shutdown to a damaged runway. The subsequent prompt and efficient overnight repairs, culminating in the swift reopening of the airport, became the central focus of a crucial news conference held with state officials on Tuesday.
Governor Josh Green, taking the podium during the livestreamed event, expressed a palpable sense of relief at the rapid resolution of the runway issue. The urgency was heightened by inquiries from the Congressional delegation, seeking clarification on potential delays and the necessity to elucidate the situation on a global scale. The favorable outcome allowed officials to promptly assure the public that the problem had been efficiently addressed.
The airport closure had significant repercussions, impacting a total of 26 flights, encompassing 9 trans-Pacific flights and 17 inter-island flights. This disruption affected 160 individuals who found accommodation in hotels as a result of the unforeseen circumstances. The runway predicament unfolded when a crack was initially identified at 8 a.m. on Monday, rapidly evolving into a three-foot hole by 2:30 p.m. Following a thorough assessment, officials made the crucial decision to close the runway, prompting immediate repair efforts.
While the initial repair efforts seemed successful, subsequent developments revealed the discovery of a third crack on the runway, necessitating further repair plans for the same night. The first crack, measuring 3 inches by 10 inches, had deteriorated into a three-foot hole, and a second crack, spanning 8 inches by 2 inches, was also identified.
The responsibility for executing the repairs fell on Contractor Grace Pacific, mobilized from Oahu to Hilo International Airport. The repairs resulted in the closure of the runway at 4:20 p.m., causing disruption to 26 flights. The extensive repairs were successfully concluded by 3:30 a.m., with the runway reopening promptly at 5 a.m. However, the revelation of a third crack necessitated additional work scheduled from midnight to 3 a.m. on Wednesday.
Governor Green acknowledged that the older facility might require additional structural support, speculating that recent heavy rains could have contributed to the emergence of runway issues. Expressing concern about infrastructure challenges during intense rain, he emphasized the imperative need for ongoing investment in airport infrastructure to ensure resilience against unexpected events.
In a bid to assuage concerns and instill confidence, Governor Green reassured the public of the commitment to upgrading facilities. He highlighted a significant investment of $120 million earmarked for the comprehensive reconstruction of the entire 11,000-foot runway at Kona Airport. Ed Sniffen, the director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, corroborated the reconstruction plan, indicating a planned commencement by August or September of the current year. Despite the unfortunate timing of the runway issues, officials expressed satisfaction with the decision to prioritize safety and proactively address the necessary upgrades, underscoring their dedication to maintaining a secure and efficient airport infrastructure.