HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2218

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE FRANK T. OKIMOTO REEF RUNWAY.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the reef runway was constructed on coral reef adjacent to the Daniel K. Inouye international airport in 1977 to alleviate aircraft noise patterns over Honolulu and the surrounding areas.  The runway cost approximately $89,000,000 to construct, was the world's first major runway built entirely offshore, and was designed to serve as an alternative landing site for the space shuttle.  The engineering achievements of the reef runway earned the project two awards:  one of the Ten Outstanding Engineering Achievements Awards in the United States in 1977 from the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Aviation Environment Award from the Federal Aviation Administration, which had only been awarded once before.

     The legislature acknowledges that the project engineer for the reef runway was the late Frank T. Okimoto, who served as an airports civil engineer from 1967 until his untimely passing in 1978.  Because Frank T. Okimoto fully supported environmental surveys regarding the design and construction of the reef runway, great care was taken during the design and construction of the reef runway to minimize the environmental impacts of the runway on surrounding areas, including any impacts on the indigenous bird population of the region, resulting in improved water quality.  Further, according to the "State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Report to the Governor, Fiscal Years 1978 and 1979", Frank T. Okimoto's "insight, questions and exacting standards motivated the highest goals from everyone connected with the project.  In respect and affection from co-workers, the Reef Runway has been called 'Frank's Runway'".  The legislature believes that designating the reef runway as the Frank T. Okimoto reef runaway is an appropriate tribute to Frank T. Okimoto.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate the reef runway at the Daniel K. Inouye international airport as the Frank T. Okimoto reef runway.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 261, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§261-     Frank T. Okimoto reef runway.  (a)  Runway 89‑26L at the Daniel K. Inouye international airport, commonly referred to as the reef runway, is designated as the "Frank T. Okimoto reef runway".

     (b)  The department shall erect and maintain appropriate signage for the Frank T. Okimoto reef runway."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Frank T. Okimoto Reef Runway; Daniel K. Inouye International Airport; Designation

 

Description:

Designates as the Frank T. Okimoto Reef Runway the reef runway at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.