HI HR149

Urges the federal government and U.S. Department of the Army to offer a fifty-year lease to the Hawaii Department of Transportation to continue operating Dillingham Airfield, which consists of 272 acres within the Dillingham Military Reservation.

Notes that the current five-year lease from the United States Army was set to expire on June 30, 2020, and the Hawaii Department of Transportation determined it was not in the state's best interest to continue under short-term leasing arrangements.

States that ending the lease will negatively impact local businesses operating at the airfield as management will revert to the Army and for-profit commercial activities will likely cease.

Identifies Dillingham Airfield as an important community resource for aviation training, youth programs, and small businesses, with short-term leases hindering investment in maintenance and facility improvements.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Hawaii Director of Transportation, U.S. Departments of Transportation and Army, and relevant city and county officials.