Relating To An Airfield Authority.
If enacted, SB 1370 would have a profound impact on the state's aviation infrastructure and related businesses. The bill provides that the Kawaihapai Airfield Authority will be responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of the airfield, which is seen as an economic driver for the region. By ensuring the continued operation of the airfield, this bill aims to support local businesses, preserve jobs, and enhance the overall economic recovery efforts for the state. Furthermore, the establishment of this authority would help mitigate the operational losses faced by the airfield under the Department of Transportation, which has resulted in millions of dollars in losses due to safety and liability concerns.
Senate Bill 1370, titled the 'Save Dillingham Airfield Act,' proposes the establishment of the Kawaihapai Airfield Authority, an independent state agency tasked with the management and operational oversight of the Kawaihapai Airfield (Dillingham Airfield). The intent of this legislation is to ensure that the airfield remains operational for both private and commercial use, thereby avoiding the economic fallout from its closure. The closure of this facility poses a significant threat to local businesses that rely on the airfield for their operations, especially in the wake of economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The movement to establish the Kawaihapai Airfield Authority arises from concerns over the Department of Transportation terminating its lease of the airfield. The bill includes provisions for the appointment of a board of directors with relevant experience in various disciplines crucial for the effective management of the airfield, including aviation, hospitality, and commercial development. However, there are potential points of contention surrounding the authority's budget and operational oversight, as there could be debates over the allocation of state funds and the authority's ability to operate independently of the existing state regulations normally applicable to public entities.