Protect Northern Oahu’s Only Public Airstrip
Kawaihapai Airport, more commonly known as Dillingham Airfield, is Hawaii’s most versatile airport and home to a variety of sky-related activities. It is located on the North Shore of Oahu and the only public use airport on the northern part of the island. The airport is located outside of Honolulu’s congested airspace and has a 9000 ft runway, making it an ideal spot for pilot training, skydiving and powered hang gliding. Additionally, due to the geography of the island, it is the Oahu’s only possible gliderport.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Airports Division currently manages the Airport and leases the land from the military. In February 2020, the DOT gave notice that it would be terminating it’s lease with the military effective June 30, 2020. In April of 2020, they announced they will be extending the lease termination to June 30th 2021. Then the Lease termination was extended again to December 2021. In September of 2021 the DOT removed the early lease termination, which puts the current lease in effect until July 2024. The DOT and ARMY are currently negotiating for a long term lease that will ensure the Airfield stays in place for decades to come. There are still many items that need to be resolved, including the water system and future capitol improvements.
Kawaihapai (Dillingham) airport is:
A valuable community resource; offering access to general aviation education and aviation career opportunities.
A draw for tourism; bringing tens of thousands of visitors from around the world to the North Shore for air tours and skydiving.
A major source of employment; employing more than 130 people at the various on site operators.
A valuable public space offering access to hiking trails, biking, and walking area off the highway.
Please join the fight to save this incredible airport! Let’s save the Airfield!