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 Meetings on the Līhuʻe Airport Optimization Plan
Kauaʻi – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) invites the community 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 ongoing planning efforts, including a summary of the community input received to date, existing facility needs and requirements, and preliminary alternatives. The meetings will also provide an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts on the proposed alternatives and provide additional input on the project.
The same information will be presented at each meeting, and a recording of the presentation and meeting materials will be posted shortly after the meetings on the project website at www.lihoptimizationplan.com. Community members who are unable to attend any of the in-person meetings will also have an opportunity to provide input and manaʻo through an online comment collector also posted at the project website.
Upcoming Public Meeting Schedule
Please join us at one of the meetings that works 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.
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