What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is holding a public meeting to review and approve permits allowing businesses and organizations to use space at state-owned airports and harbors across Hawaii. Two main categories of permits are on the table:

• Airports: Permits for airline holdrooms (gate waiting areas), storage rooms, lei stands, a VIP lounge, construction staging areas, equipment parking, and vehicle stalls at airports including Daniel K. Inouye International (Honolulu), Kahului, Kapalua, Molokai, Hilo, Kona, and Lihue airports.
• Harbors: Permits for trailer storage, office trailers, pipeline easements, oil spill response equipment storage, and parking areas at harbors including Honolulu, Nawiliwili (Kauai), Kaunakakai (Molokai), Kawaihae (Big Island), Kalaeloa Barbers Point, and Kaumalapau (Lanai).

Decisions Expected

The department is expected to vote on issuing or amending revocable permits for each listed item. These are generally short-term, renewable agreements allowing tenants to occupy specific spaces on state transportation property. Notable actions include:

• New permits for Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines at various airports
• Permits for traditional lei stand operators at Honolulu's main airport
• Permits for oil spill response equipment storage at multiple harbors
• Permits for Matson Terminals and Young Brothers at harbor facilities

Who Should Pay Attention

• Businesses currently operating or seeking to operate at Hawaii airports or harbors
• Airlines and shipping companies with existing or new permit agreements
• Lei stand vendors and small business operators at airports
• Community members interested in how state transportation land is used