A 50 year lease between the US Army and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) has been agreed at Hawaii's Kawaihapai Airfield, formerly known as Dillingham Airfield. The joint-use agreement is the first of its kind and will guarantee military training and numerous aviation small businesses can continue to operate concurrently.

The complicated joint-use agreement required extensive collaboration among federal, state and local entities. AOPA Western Pacific regional manager Jared Yoshiki and airport support network volunteer Ben Devine remained engaged with local airport and tenant associations throughout the negotiation process to ensure elected officials were informed about the benefits of general aviation at Dillingham and to help facilitate open communication among the FAA, Hawaii DOT and elected officials.

“Preserving Kawaihapai Airfield for the foreseeable future is not only a victory for aviation and the airport users, but it is also a victory for North Shore communities who will know a critical transportation lifeline is protected for an island state should it be needed,” says Yoshiki. “The patience, persistence and collaboration by Ben Devine, our ASN volunteer, and the open lines of communication established between airport sponsors and elected officials, provides a clear example for how we can approach every airport issue we come across to achieve positive outcomes.”

Over the years-long debate regarding the future of the field, negotiations hit several roadblocks. Of prominent importance was the status of a degraded water system located at the airport, which had been leaking millions of gallons of potable water intended for residential and non-airport users.

The Army and Hawaii DOT recently came to an agreement on several conditions and all involved are celebrating the final agreement, which will meet joint and individual needs and address concerns raised, including providing uninterrupted water services to affected communities. The long-term lease also makes Dillingham eligible for federal grants to address infrastructure needs, something the field has not been eligible to receive for the past 10 years due to lease uncertainty.

“Kawaihapai Airfield plays a significant role in aircraft training for civilians and the military and a significant role in a healthy, diversified economy,” says Hawaii Governor Josh Green. “I'm proud that as a state we are able to come together with the varied stakeholders at Dillingham to continue to operate as a civil aviation resource and reach a mutual solution for water delivery.”

Airport advocacy is at the forefront of AOPA's mission, and this long-term lease agreement for Dillingham Airfield illustrates the value AOPA brings to promoting GA and supporting airports.

“This incredible effort would not have been possible without the continued leadership from Governor Green, Hawaii State Representative Amy Perruso, Hawaii DOT director Ed Sniffen and Col McGunegle,” adds Yoshiki. “While each airport is unique, preserving Dillingham Airfield illustrates how collaboration and being solutions-oriented can overcome major obstacles.”

The Army routinely conducts exercises and training where the use of the airfield is required for ground training and aviation purposes including helicopters, unmanned aerial systems and cargo planes. The Army also hosts the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, a large-scale training exercise, at the airfield, serving a vital role in ensuring regional combat preparedness.

The civilian-owned-and-operated businesses at the airfield cater to visitors and local patrons for their recreational aviation interests including glider flying, free-fall parachuting, sightseeing and, occasionally, trips to neighbouring islands.