Blessing Marks Opening of Lānaʻi Air Operations and Freight Building
After three years operating out of a trailer in the Lānaʻi Airport parking area, Lānaʻi Air has a permanent home. The airline held a blessing Sept. 10 for its new operations and freight building, built on the site of the airport's former passenger terminal, used until the current terminal opened in 1994.
The freight side of the building has taken on added importance since Kaumālapaʻu Harbor closed following Hurricane Lowell, disrupting regular barge service to the island. With the harbor closure increasing the need to move food and other supplies by air, Lāna‘i Air has increased its existing freight operations, using both of its freight aircraft to help meet the need.
The freight side of the building has taken on immediate importance since Kaumālapaʻu Harbor closed following Hurricane Lowell, disrupting regular barge service and increasing the need to move food and supplies by air.
Kahu Saul Kahihikolo conducted the blessing. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen and Pūlama Lānaʻi President Kurt Matsumoto untied the maile lei at the building's entrance. The ceremony brought together Lānaʻi Air representatives, Pūlama Lānaʻi's executive leadership, HDOT Airports Division staff, members of the Lānaʻi Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit, and representatives from Aunui Construction Services.
The opening comes as Lānaʻi Air expands its interisland operations. Service to Molokaʻi began Aug. 12, and the airline plans future service to Kapalua and Kahului, with flight details still to come.