The Hawaii Department of Transportation recently highlighted the new improvements it made at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport – part of an ongoing “partner collaboration” effort aimed at enhancing the passenger experience for the traveling public.
[Above photo by Hawaii DOT]
In partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii DOT unveiled new restroom facilities in Terminal 1 built as part of an agreement that involved relocating the central Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint.
In addition to replacing the terminal restroom facilities that were displaced during the checkpoint construction, Hawaiian Airlines committed to deliver a new breakroom for TSA employees.
Altogether, Hawaii DOT noted that Hawaiian Airlines invested a total of $14 million in this restroom/breakroom project.
“This project is more than just a construction milestone, it’s a testament to the power of partnership,” said Monica Kobayashi, managing director for airport operations at Hawaiian Airlines, in a statement.
“By working together, Hawaiian Airlines and the Hawaii DOT were able to pool resources, share expertise and deliver a project that benefits everyone who passes through this terminal,” she noted. “It’s a model of collaboration that allows us to move faster, work smarter and achieve more than we could alone.”
Concurrently, Hawaii DOT and its food and beverage concessionaire partner HMSHost celebrated the opening of the first of two new Panda Express restaurants at Inouye airport. HMSHost is also upgrading furniture at its food and beverage outlets in Terminal 1 and expects to open Waialua Café and Bar in the Mauka Terminal by the end of this year, Hawaii DOT noted.
The agency and HMSHost are also collaborating with popular local chefs and restauranteurs to bring additional new dining experiences to the airport as well, with details for those new restaurants provided as plans are finalized.
“Our commitment to modernizing airport facilities, upgrading infrastructure and improving operational efficiencies is dependent on many outstanding partners like Hawaiian Airlines and HMSHost who are also dedicated to making Hawaii’s airports inviting and comforting for travelers,” said Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT director.
“These projects are important components that add to the overall experience for residents and visitors who use our airports,” he added.
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