HB 1372 Summary

• Allows any county to operate and maintain airports and airfields, in addition to the department of transportation's existing authority.

• Amends section 261-4 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to authorize counties to plan, acquire, establish, construct, improve, maintain, and operate airport facilities.

• Extends county authority to acquire property for airport purposes through purchase, gift, lease, or condemnation, and to acquire rights and interests in existing airports.

• Addresses concerns about Kawaihapai Airfield (Dillingham Airfield) on Oahu's north shore, which generated $12 million in yearly revenues and employed over 130 people as of 2019.

• Takes effect upon approval.