ABOUT
As the only commercial service airport on Kauaʻi, Līhuʻe Airport plays a critical role in daily life on the island, supporting residents, visitors, cargo, and emergency services.
Based on feedback received during the 2022 Master Plan Update, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) shifted direction and launched the Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan (LAOP) to take a fresh, more direct approach to addressing current airport challenges.
The goal of the LAOP is to optimize the airport’s existing facilities to improve safety, enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability, and improve the passenger experience, while remaining responsive to community values and concerns.
GET INVOLVED
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Invites Community to Public Meeting on the Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan
Kauai – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) invites community members to attend public meetings in August to learn about the ongoing Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan (LAOP).
Community members are invited to attend any of the following meetings to learn about key planning efforts completed to date, including facility requirements, alternatives under consideration, and the preliminary screening of alternatives. The meetings will also include a summary of input received during the March 2026 public engagement process and provide an opportunity for community members to share additional feedback.
The same information will be presented at each meeting, and a recording of the presentation and meeting materials will be posted on the project website at www.lihoptimizationplan.com. Community members who are unable to attend a meeting will also have an opportunity to provide feedback through an online comment collector.
Upcoming Public Meeting Schedule
Please join us at one of the meetings best for you.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Kīlauea Elementary School Cafeteria
2440 Kolo Rd., Kīlauea
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
County Planning Commission Hearing Room
4444 Rice St., Līhuʻe
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mahelona Hospital Auditorium
4800 Kawaihau Rd., Kapaʻa
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Kōloa Neighborhood Center
3461B Weliweli Rd., Kōloa
Requests for project information should be directed to Christina McWhorter, HDOT Airports Project Manager, 400 Rodgers Blvd., Suite 700, Honolulu, HI 96819-1880; phone: (808)838-8817; or email: christina.f.mcwhorter@hawaii.gov.
Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for non-English speaking persons is asked to contact Christina McWhorter as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled. Upon Request, this notice is available in alternate formats.
In early March 2026, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) held a series of community meetings to provide information about the LAOP and gather input. Click here to learn more.
Subscribe to project updates using the form at the bottom of this page to receive notifications, updated event dates, and more.