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Sterling Infrastructure shared Monday that its Roads and Highway Builders subsidiary was awarded a $155 million contract to extend the runway at the Lihue Airport (LIH) in Kauai, Hawaii. The runway project is part of a broader Airport Modernization Program to transform Hawaii's airports into world-class facilities. The scope of work will include excavation, drain pipe installation, structural concrete wall installation and asphalt and is expected to begin this year.
The Lihue Airport project is one of the many airport improvement projects included in Hawaii's Airport Modernization Program. The award granted to RHB is included in the first quarter 2024 backlog. The project is expected to begin in April 2024 and has a two-and-a-half-year duration.Lihue Runway map from Hawai'i Airports Modernization Program
"We are thrilled to be part of Hawaii's efforts to modernize its airport system," Sterling's CEO Joe Cutillo said. "States are actively engaged in rolling out programs to upgrade their infrastructure, driving strong demand for RHB's best-in-class aviation and highway services," Mr. Cutillo continued. "Aviation projects, which have been somewhat slow to move forward following the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ("IIJA") are accelerating."
Hawaiian Airport Modernization Program
The modernization program is part of the continued work across the state to improve the overall travel experience for visitors and residents through the transformation of airports into distinctive, functional and world-class facilities. The program will expand the capacity at Hawaii's airports, improving efficiency and safety. These improvements will help to create jobs and stimulate the state economy. Sustainability will be incorporated into design and the program is embracing elements of the Hawaiian culture. The Airport Modernization Program was a $2.3 billion statewide program to be funded through airport user fees, including airline rents and landing fees, federal grants, passenger facility charges and airport revenue bonds to be paid back with airport user fees. The program does not use state general funds or state taxes.
Sustainability and Embracing Culture
The program will focus on being environmentally sustainable, introducing many environmental, social and cultural elements to the design. There is extensive use of recycled materials, sustainable energy sources like solar, and the procurement of energy-efficient machinery to drive the planning, design and construction of all projects. Each project will aim to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation, which is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a "whole-building" approach, recognizing five key aspects of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Once the projects are completed, Hawaiian airports are expected to better reflect the Hawaiian cultural identity. There will be educational and cultural experiences incorporated for airport visitors, including Hawaiian cultural displays. There will also be live Hawaiian music and dance featured.
Projects
There are current projects across the state, including terminal improvements at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, taxiway and runway lighting replacement at the Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo, apron improvements at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kailua-Kona, and inbound baggage handling system improvements at Kahului Airport (OGG) in Kahului. There are also completed projects at many of these airports, including new parking lots, demolition, lighting improvements, new hangars and facility improvements.