LANAI CITY – Lanai Airport’s new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station (ARFF) was dedicated and blessed during a ceremony today with Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The $6.4 million project, completed this month, brings Lanai Airport into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and was funded by a $5.6 million Airport Improvement Program FAA grant along with $805,000 in state funds.

RESCUE READY – The new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station at Lana'i irport was blessed and made operational today. Click photo to enlarge. (HIDOT Photo)

The new facility has two truck bays, a trailer bay and a fueling area along with improved work and living areas for firefighters. The ARFF station also has office space, three dorm rooms and a workout area. The new station replaces the existing facility that was used well beyond its intended lifecycle.

Department of Transportation Director Glenn Okimoto said, “In addition to providing a modern aircraft rescue and fire fighting facility at Lanai Airport, the project provided a needed economic boost. With a population of just over 3,000 people, the project provided local jobs and created revenue for many of Lanai’s small business owners.”

“With the completion of this project the new ARFF station will enable the state of Hawaii to continue to provide vital safety and medical services to the traveling public at Lanai Airport,” Okimoto said.