HONOLULU (KHON2) — Despite nationwide airport disruptions, Hawaiʻi’s airports have not seen any significant disruption during the government shutdown, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said.
Local federal employees have been reporting to work — despite their work being unpaid — preventing travel hiccups at the islands’ airports.
“We know federal workers and their families are facing uncertainty as a result of the shutdown. The fact that they continue to show up for work at our airports to minimize air travel disruptions is a testament to their character and shows how much they care for their fellow Hawaiʻi residents as well as our visitors,” Gov. Josh Green said. “The state will do whatever we can to support federal airport workers in Hawaiʻi as they continue to provide critical services to air travelers.”
There is little disruption at airport security lines, air traffic control and agricultural inspections, HDOT said.
“We are fortunate that our local federal employees remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of air travel in the islands,” HDOT Director Ed Sniffen said. “Hawaiʻi’s airports operate as ʻohana with state, federal and private sector employees working side by side to serve the traveling public. We are grateful that our federal partners continue to provide the highest level of professionalism to keep our airports operational.”
All federal employees have either been furloughed or working without pay since the government shutdown first began on Oct. 1. Congress will not vote on a funding bill again until Tuesday afternoon.