TSA Joins Ceremony for New $46M Security Checkpoint at Kahului Airport

Key Takeaways

• Kahului Airport’s South TSA Checkpoint Project starts May 29, 2025, with a $46 million investment.
• Project includes six new TSA lanes, air conditioning, and a two-story building to reduce wait times.
• Completion expected by December 2026 to improve passenger comfort, security, and operational efficiency.

On May 29, 2025, the Kahului Airport on Maui took a major step forward in its ongoing modernization with the official groundbreaking of the South TSA Checkpoint Project. The ceremony, attended by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, and other federal, state, and county leaders, marked the start of a $46 million investment aimed at transforming the travel experience for millions of passengers each year. This project is set to bring faster security checks, greater comfort, and new opportunities for both travelers and the local community.

Why the South TSA Checkpoint Project Matters

Kahului Airport, known by its code OGG, is the main gateway for travelers coming to and from Maui. Each year, about 4.4 million passengers pass through its doors. In recent years, the airport has struggled with long lines, crowded spaces, and wait times that sometimes stretch over an hour—especially during busy periods between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. These issues have frustrated both visitors and residents, making the need for a better system clear.

The new South TSA Checkpoint Project is designed to solve these problems. By adding a new, two-story building with up to six TSA screening lanes, the airport will be able to move people through security much faster. The project also includes air conditioning and a fully enclosed space, which will make waiting in line more comfortable—no more standing outside in the heat or rain.

Key Details: What’s Being Built and When

• Total Cost: $46 million
• Federal Funding: Over $30 million, including a $30.6 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), secured with the help of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz
• Checkpoint Capacity: Up to six new TSA screening lanes on the second floor
• Annual Passenger Volume: About 4.4 million
• Construction Timeline: Started in late May 2025, expected to finish by December 2026
• General Contractor: Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co.

The new checkpoint will be located at the south end of the ticket lobby. The second floor will house the screening lanes, a waiting lobby, and TSA support spaces. The ground floor will include airport support areas and new retail spaces, which could bring more shopping and dining options for travelers.

A pedestrian bridge will connect the new checkpoint to the expanded passenger waiting area, making it easier for people to move through the airport. The well-known “Maui Releasing the Sun” statue will also be moved to a prominent spot at the entrance of the new checkpoint, keeping a piece of local culture front and center.

Voices from the Groundbreaking Ceremony

The importance of this project was clear from the comments made by key leaders at the ceremony:

• U.S. Senator Brian Schatz said, “This new checkpoint will reduce wait times and improve people’s experience at Kahului Airport. These improvements will benefit visitors and residents alike.” Senator Schatz played a crucial role in securing the federal funding that made the project possible.
• Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, highlighted how the project will make travel less stressful and more comfortable, especially with the addition of air conditioning and more screening lanes.
• Nanea Vasta, TSA Federal Security Director for the Pacific, explained, “Today’s groundbreaking represents a significant investment in the future of TSA at OGG. This project will help TSA meet the increasing demand for passenger screening.”

These statements show a shared commitment to making air travel safer, faster, and more pleasant for everyone who uses Kahului Airport.

How the Project Will Change the Travel Experience

Shorter Wait Times

One of the biggest complaints from travelers has been the long lines at security. During busy times, lines have stretched outside the terminal, leaving people exposed to the weather and sometimes causing them to miss flights. With up to six new TSA screening lanes, the airport will be able to process more people at once, especially during peak hours. This should significantly reduce wait times and make the process much smoother.

Improved Comfort and Safety

The new checkpoint will be fully enclosed and air-conditioned, a big improvement over the current setup. This means travelers will wait in a cool, comfortable space, protected from the sun and rain. The design also includes a larger waiting area, so people won’t feel crowded or rushed.

Ongoing Operations During Construction

While the new checkpoint is being built, the existing main checkpoint will stay open. It will also get upgrades, including being enclosed and air-conditioned. This ensures that security operations continue without interruption, and travelers won’t face even longer lines during construction.

Better Security and Efficiency

With more screening lanes and updated facilities, the TSA will be able to keep up with rising passenger numbers while maintaining high security standards. The new setup will also make it easier to add more lanes or equipment in the future if needed.

Step-by-Step: What’s Happening During Construction

The South TSA Checkpoint Project is a complex effort with several key steps:

1. Build a New Two-Story Checkpoint: The new building will be constructed at the south end of the ticket lobby.
2. Install Up to Six TSA Screening Lanes: These will be located on the second floor, along with a waiting lobby and TSA support spaces.
3. Develop Ground Floor Spaces: The ground floor will include airport support areas and new retail spaces, which could mean more shops and restaurants for travelers.
4. Connect with a Pedestrian Bridge: A new bridge will link the checkpoint to the expanded passenger waiting area, making it easier for people to move through the airport.
5. Relocate the “Maui Releasing the Sun” Statue: This well-known piece of art will be moved to the entrance of the new checkpoint, keeping it visible and accessible.
6. Upgrade the Existing Main Checkpoint: The current checkpoint will be enclosed and air-conditioned, improving comfort for everyone.

Background: Why This Project Is Needed

Kahului Airport has seen a big jump in passenger numbers over the past decade. As more people visit Maui for work, vacation, or family, the airport’s old facilities have struggled to keep up. Long lines, crowded spaces, and slow security checks have become common, especially during busy travel seasons.

In response, airport officials and the TSA have tried several short-term fixes, such as adding extra screening lanes, bringing in canine teams, and using advanced ID verification systems. While these steps helped a little, they weren’t enough to solve the bigger problem. The only real solution was to expand and modernize the airport’s infrastructure.

The South TSA Checkpoint Project is part of a larger plan to update Kahului Airport. Recent improvements have included expanding the passenger waiting area and adding new amenities. The new checkpoint is the next big step in making the airport ready for the future.

Who Benefits from the Project?

Travelers

For both visitors and residents, the biggest benefit will be shorter lines and a more comfortable experience. No one likes waiting in a hot, crowded line, especially when they’re worried about missing a flight. The new checkpoint will make the process faster, safer, and much more pleasant.

TSA

The TSA will gain the capacity it needs to keep up with growing passenger numbers. More lanes and better facilities mean the agency can maintain high security standards without causing long delays.

State and Local Officials

For government leaders, the project is about more than just comfort—it’s about supporting tourism, local travel, and the island’s economy. A modern, efficient airport helps attract visitors and makes life easier for residents who need to travel for work, school, or family reasons.

Airport Businesses

With new retail spaces on the ground floor of the checkpoint, airport businesses are looking forward to more opportunities. Improved passenger flow means more potential customers for shops and restaurants, which can boost the local economy.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

The South TSA Checkpoint Project is a clear example of how federal, state, and local governments can work together to solve real-world problems. By securing over $30 million in federal funding, including a major grant from the FAA, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz and other leaders have shown that investing in infrastructure pays off for everyone.

The project also highlights the importance of planning for the future. As Maui continues to grow as a travel destination, the airport must be ready to handle more people without sacrificing safety or comfort. The new checkpoint is designed to be flexible, with space for more lanes or equipment if needed.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kahului Airport

The South TSA Checkpoint Project is scheduled to be finished by December 2026. Once complete, it will mark a major milestone in the airport’s modernization. But the work may not stop there. As passenger numbers continue to rise, officials are already thinking about further expansions and upgrades.

The airport’s broader modernization plan could include:

• Additional screening lanes if needed
• More retail and dining options
• Upgrades to other parts of the terminal
• Improved transportation links to and from the airport

These steps will help ensure that Kahului Airport remains a welcoming, efficient gateway for Maui for years to come.

How to Stay Informed

For those interested in following the progress of the South TSA Checkpoint Project, there are several ways to get updates:

• Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT): The official HDOT website offers news, project photos, and updates.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The TSA press release page provides official statements and news about security operations.
• U.S. Senator Brian Schatz: Updates from Senator Schatz’s office can be found at schatz.senate.gov.

For media inquiries, the TSA’s news contact page is available.

Summary Table: Key Project Facts

Real-World Impact: Stories from the Community

Imagine a family traveling to visit relatives on the mainland. In the past, they might have arrived at Kahului Airport only to find a line stretching out the door, with tired children and anxious parents worried about missing their flight. With the new South TSA Checkpoint Project, that same family can expect a much smoother experience—shorter lines, a cool waiting area, and a faster trip through security.

Airport workers, too, will benefit from the improved environment. TSA officers will have more space and better tools to do their jobs, while retail workers may see more customers thanks to the new shops and smoother passenger flow.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Maui’s Main Airport

The South TSA Checkpoint Project at Kahului Airport is more than just a construction project—it’s a promise to make travel better for everyone who passes through Maui. With strong support from federal, state, and local leaders, and a clear focus on comfort, safety, and efficiency, the project is set to deliver real benefits for years to come.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, investments like this are key to keeping up with the demands of modern air travel and supporting the local economy. For the latest updates and official information, travelers and community members can visit the HDOT Airports Division.

Actionable Takeaway: If you’re planning to travel through Kahului Airport in the next few years, keep an eye out for construction updates and new amenities. The changes may cause some temporary inconvenience, but the long-term improvements will make your journey faster, safer, and much more comfortable.

Learn Today

TSA → Transportation Security Administration responsible for airport security screening processes in the U.S.
FAA → Federal Aviation Administration that regulates and funds aviation infrastructure projects like this checkpoint.
Screening lanes → Designated lines where TSA conducts security checks on passengers and their belongings.
Federal funding → Government money allocated from federal sources to support public infrastructure projects.
Pedestrian bridge → A walkway connecting terminal areas for safer and easier airport passenger movement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Kahului Airport begins a $46 million South TSA Checkpoint Project to cut wait times and improve comfort. The new two-story checkpoint features six TSA lanes and enhanced air conditioning, aiming for completion by December 2026 to boost security and passenger experience on Maui.
— By VisaVerge.com