Airports Unveiling a Brand New Kona FIS Facility By: Jai Cunningham A blessing ceremony was given to a brand new $58.7 million U.S. Customs Border Protection’s (CBP) permanent Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) Oct. 19. Governor David Ige was present, greeting the small crowd and expressing his gratitude to see the completion of the FIS ahead of schedule and what it means to the Hawaii economy. “The FIS is more than just a new building. It fulfills one of my top priorities to establish a second Federal Inspection Service to generate jobs and income statewide,” said Ige. Both Director Jade Butay and Airports Division Deputy Director Ross Higashi were also at the blessing.
“The Hawaii Department of Transportation is tasked with keeping the vital transportation lifelines of the state operational. Part of our mission is also ensuring the resilience of our air routes,” said Butay. The new facility came in under budget. The 32,700 sq. ft. FIS took a little more than two years to complete. There is also a new 7,000 sq. ft. holdroom which will improve the international passenger experience. And with international flights expected to resume in the coming months, Kona could once again become a popular destination.
The FIS serves as a secondary destination for overseas travelers. It also builds in much needed redundancy in case any emergency arises at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
“Pre-pandemic international travel was bringing in $112 million dollars to Hawaii Island, which meant around $14 million in tax revenue,” said Higashi. The FIS is part of a deal struck with CBP back in 2016. DOT was asked to build a permanent building within five years by the end of 2021. See KONA FIS page 8 PAGE 7
