Hawaii Department of Transportation to Conduct Runway Repairs at Kona Int’l Airport

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will temporarily close Runway 17-35 at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at KeÄhole (KOA) for 15 consecutive nights starting from Tuesday, Feb. 13 until Tuesday, Feb. 27, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. There are no alternate runways at KOA, and therefore the airport will remain closed for flight operations during the nighttime runway closure period. In the event an emergency medical evacuation is needed, helicopter service out of KOA will be available. HDOT has coordinated with the airlines and other partners to minimize impacts to flights. There are no commercial flights scheduled during the closure period.

The runway closure is needed to conduct asphalt repairs to selected areas along the runway, specifically where aircraft perform turnaround motions. The HDOT is taking this proactive measure in advance of a planned runway rehabilitation project that is expected to start in August. Please note all work is weather permitting.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for information specific to their flights. HDOT appreciates the public’s patience while the needed work to ensure the safe operation of KOA is conducted.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.