Airports

KOA Levels Up Its Disinfecting Game

With the pandemic affecting air travel, visitors will see new changes at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole.

By: Rae Nguyen

There are visible signs located curbside, at security checkpoints, and inside sterile holding areas.

The signage reminds visitors to wear masks, wash hands, and to socially distance at least six feet from each other.

Dotted along common walkways are red social distancing stickers and hand sanitizers stationed throughout the airport.

Janitors can be seen wearing backpack foggers, spraying disinfectant in common areas between flights.

Passengers will also hear a soothing, baritone voice coming through the terminal speakers. It’s the voice of David Bell, Assistant Airport Superintendent IV, reminding everyone to wear a mask or risk confrontation from airport police.

It’s the new normal.

And Kona International Airport is ready to welcome back visitors and residents safely.

Assistant Airport Superintendent David Bell lends his famous voice to remind visitors to wear their mask.

Aviation Phrase of the Month: “Let’s kick the tires and light the fires, Big Daddy”

What does that mean?

After completing pre-flight gear inspection, the airplane is ready for takeoff. But who says it in what movie? Correct answer gets a KOA commemorative anniversary button.

Email Rae Nguyen at tuyenrae.t.nguyen@hawaii.gov. with your answer. Good luck!

Airports

New Thermal Temperature Screening Equipment in Use at Hawaii’s Airports By: Tim Sakahara

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Airports Division is pleased to announce the thermal temperature screening equipment is now in use to help detect passengers with a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above.

HDOT and the NEC team, including NEC Corporation, NEC Corporation of America and their partner, Infrared Cameras Inc., have completed phase one of the project on schedule which included installation of the thermal temperature screening equipment at the gates currently in use to welcome arriving trans-Pacific flights at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG), Lihue Airport (LIH), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

“The thermal screening equipment is a positive feature that streamlines the process for people traveling to Hawaii, while also working to keep the community safe by detecting people with a fever,” said Gov. David Ige. “The equipment is a step in the direction of what will be the new normal as we move forward in the COVID-19 era.” “I am incredibly proud of NEC’s ability to deploy our thermal screening technology quickly and efficiently while staying on budget,” said Jason Van Sice, Vice President of Aviation, NEC Corporation of America. “Phase one represents a significant step in protecting the health and safety of the visitors and residents of Hawaii against the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only does this technology enhance the overall travel experience, but it will help passengers regain confidence in air travel in the state of Hawaii.”

“The Hawaii National Guard is honored to partner with the Department of Transportation on the front lines of screening visitors and returning residents as they arrive at Hawaii’s airports,” said Hawaii National Guard, Joint Task Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Moses Kaoiwi, Jr. “Our Guardsmen are adept and will adjust well to the new temperature screening system and procedures that improves Hawaii’s mitigation efforts against COVID-19.”

Members of the Hawaii National Guard and HDOT employees have been trained statewide to operate and monitor the equipment. Passengers used to stop to have their temperature taken by