This Antonov AN-124 was in Kona to drop off some military equipment Friday. (Hawaii 24/7 photo courtesy of Colin Gould)
An eagle-eyed Hawaii 24/7 reader sent in these photos of the Antonov AN-124, the world’s second largest aircraft behind the Antonov AN-225, as it made a stop Friday, Jan. 15 at Kona International Airport.
The Russian-built plane measures more than 225 feet long and has a wingspan of 240 feet. It is believed to be one of the largest planes ever to land at Kona’s airport and needed special permission.
Here’s the application for emergency exemption:
Volga-Dnepr J.S. Cargo Airline requests an emergency exemption to permit Volga-Dnepr to operate three one-way all-cargo charter flights, utilizing Volga-Dnepr’s AN-124-100 aircraft, to transport outsized cargo from March Air Reserve Base, California to Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Airfield and Kona International Airport at Kaneohe, Hawaii, on or around January 11-15, 2009, on behalf of US TRANSCOM.
The outsized cargo to be transported by Volga-Dnepr from March AFB to Kanehoe Bay MCAF on January 11, 2010, will consist of a combination of UH-1H Huey Helicopters with the dimensions in shipping configuration of L-702 x W-113 x H-128, AH-1W Super Cobra Helicopters with the dimensions in shipping configuration of L-696 x W-141 x H-156, and associated/unit equipment. Number of helicopters will be determined by configuration/combination of helicopters and associated/unit equipment.
The outsized cargo to be transported by Volga-Dnepr from March AFB to Kaneohe Bay MCAF on January 13, 2010, will consist of a combination of UH-1N Huey Helicopters with the dimensions in shipping configuration of L-702 x W-113 x H-128, AH-1W Super Cobra Helicopters with the dimensions in shipping configuration of L-696 x W-141 x H-156, and associated/unit equipment. Number of helicopters will be determined by configuration/combination of helicopters and associated/unit equipment.
The outsized cargo to be transported by Volga-Dnepr from March AFB to Kona Int’l at Keahole on January 15, 2010, will consist of a combination of UH-1N Huey Helicopters with the dimensions in shipping configuration of L-702 x W-113 x H-128, AH-1W Super Cobra Helicopters with the dimensions in shipping configuration of L-696 x W-141 x H-156, and associated/unit equipment. Number of helicopters will be determined by configuration/combination of helicopters and associated/unit equipment.
Alaska Airlines inaugural Oakland-Kona flight arrives Tuesday at Kona International Airport. (Photo courtesy BIVB)
Media releases compiled by Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor
Alaska Airlines’ Oakland-Kona service kicked off in fine style Tuesday, as the first flight arrived with more good news – the airline is set to add four more mainland flights next year.
The airline on Monday began its four-times-weekly service between Oakland and Kahului, Maui and its thrice-weekly service to Kona on Tuesday.
The Kona flight arrived shortly before noon, and passengers were welcomed with live entertainment, a goodie bag and a special greeting from Mayor Billy Kenoi.
In addition to welcoming the first arrivals, Kenoi said he was pleased to see the new flights coming directly to the Big Island, with nearly 500 seats available each week.
The added capacity is a boost for the island’s economy, he said, especially as fewer cruise ships are on 2009-2010 schedule and at least two airlines have quit Hawaii.
The new flights are operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin.
All flights to Hawaii offer Hawaiian-themed beverages and meal service. Customers in the main cabin are offered complimentary Mauna Loa macadamia nuts and a complimentary Mai Tai or POG juice, as well as a Hawaiian-themed meal-for-purchase option for $6.
“Known for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets, the Hawaiian Islands are among our most popular leisure vacation destinations,” said Alaska Airlines’ President Brad Tilden. “Customers will enjoy Alaska’s low fares, convenient schedule and award-winning service.”
Of course, passengers’ trips will start at the Oakland airport.
“Travelers will start their vacation with a smooth departure from Oakland International, where they can park close to the terminals and quickly access their flight,” said Deborah Ale Flint, the Port of Oakland’s acting director of aviation. “Oakland’s on-time performance record allows passengers to easily begin their Alaska Airlines experience.”
San Jose-Kona begins March 12, 2010
With Tuesday’s announcement of additional flights beginning early next year, Alaska Airline’s Hawaii service will reach 73 roundtrips a week
The airline will inaugurate three-times-weekly service between San Jose, Calif., and Kahului, beginning March 11, and four-times-weekly service between San Jose and Kona starting March 12, 2010.
The airline also announced it will offer daily flights between Sacramento, Calif., and Maui starting March 26, 2010.
“In just two years, Hawaii has become a major part of our route network,” said Steve Jarvis, Alaska’s vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. “With the new service we’re announcing today, Alaska Airlines will have 73 roundtrip flights a week serving the Hawaiian Islands, including 21 flights between Hawaii and the Bay Area and Sacramento. The low fares and Alaska Airlines Vacations packages we offer make Hawaii travel even more affordable.”
Alaska began service to Hawaii in October 2007. With these new markets, about 11 percent of Alaska Air Group’s capacity is now dedicated to Hawaii flying.
Alaska is offering introductory one-way fares of $169 between San Jose-Maui, San Jose-Kona and Sacramento-Maui, for tickets purchased by Nov. 24, 2009.
Additionally, Vacation Packages start at $599 to Maui and $523 to Kona.
Summary of new flights: (Times are based on local time zones)
Start date City pair Departure time Arrival time Day of week
Nov. 10 Oakland-Kona 7:45 a.m. 11:15 a.m.* Tues, Thur, Sun
Nov. 10 Kona-Oakland 12:15 p.m.* 7:30 p.m. Tues, Thur, Sun
Mar 11 San Jose-Maui 7:30 a.m. 11:05 a.m.* Tues, Thur, Sun
Mar 11 Maui-San Jose 12:05 p.m.* 7:15 p.m. Tues, Thur, Sun
Mar 12 San Jose-Kona 7:30 a.m. 11:20 a.m.* Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
Mar 12 Kona-San Jose 12:20 p.m.* 7:35 p.m. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
Mar 26 Sacramento-Maui 8:15 a.m. 10:50 a.m. Daily
Mar 26 Maui-Sacramento 11:50 a.m. 8 p.m. Daily
*Beginning March 14, time of flight will be one hour earlier due to Daylight Savings Time.
Booking available now
The new flights are available for booking immediately by calling (800) ALASKAAIR (800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 800-392-0228) and at alaskaair.com
Fare Rules: Fares must be purchased by 11/24/09 and travel completed by 6/4/2010. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days. Some markets do not operate daily service. Vacations package prices shown include roundtrip airfare and are per person based on adult double-occupancy at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel in Maui and the Royal Kona Resort. Other hotels and lengths of stay available, prices will vary. All terms and conditions of Alaska Airlines Vacations apply.
Not included in the fares: Airport Passenger Facility charges of up to $9 (amount depends on itinerary), U.S. Federal Segment Tax of $3.60 per segment (takeoff and landing) and U.S. Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement. All taxes and fees shown are based on one-way travel and may be doubled if traveling roundtrip.
Tickets are nonrefundable, but can be changed for a $75 fee when changes are made online ($100 when made through a reservation call center or ticket counter and $125 when originally booked through a travel agent and changes are made through a reservation call center or ticket counter) and any applicable changes in fare. A ticket purchased at a Horizon Air or Alaska Airlines airport location or through a reservation call center will cost $15 more per person than the advertised fare.
All fares, taxes and fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notice, and other restrictions apply. A $15 charge will apply to the first checked bag. A second bag may be checked for $25. Additional fees apply to check more than two bags and for overweight or oversized items. See checked baggage policy at alaskaair.com for more details.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 and 2009 North America Airline Satisfaction StudiesSM.
Fire/rescue crews responded to a 10:46 a.m. alarm for a capsized boat 1/2 mile off Kona International Airport Saturday morning (Sept 12).
A large swell had broken over the 12-foot Alii Kai capsizing it with two adults and one child on board. A passing 16-foot watercraft took the child aboard and called for help which brought Chopper Two to locate the vessels and the fire department’s rescue boat to pick-up the two adults clinging to the capsized boat.
The rescue boat took all the two adults and child on board and towed the capsized vessel back towards Honokohau Harbor where the Coast Guard took over towing the vessel in.
Eight years ago, in the early hours of Sept. 11, 2001, America came under attack and Hawaii’s air traffic connection with the world was severed. Video from Sept. 11, 2001.
Family and friends of the National Guard troops hear the helicopters and finally the troops arrive at Kona International Airport. View the video from about 10 minutes in as the troops are welcomed home in the last 4 minutes.
The troops stand in formation and after some short speeches the company is dismissed and is reunited with family members.
—
Karin Stanton/Hawai247 Contributing Editor
More than 100 Big Island soldiers got a hero’s welcome Thursday, returning from a year’s deployment overseas.
The Army National Guard troops – 78 from Hilo and 25 from Kona – are Detachment 1 of the Delta Forward Support Company attached to the 29th Infantry Lava Brigade. It was the unit’s second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The unit provided base security in 2005-06 in Baghdad, then returned to Kuwait and Iraq in 2008 to provide convoy security operations across Iraq.
In nine months, the unit completed more than 400 missions and have traveled over 500,000 miles across Iraq.
Official welcome
After a stop in Texas for their official debriefing, the unit headed back home to Hawaii.
They, their families, friends and communities celebrated the homecoming Thursday.
After dropping off 78 soldiers in Hilo, the plan was to bus the rest over to Kona, but Col. Alika Watts said special arrangements were made to fly them in by helicopter.
“Besides the day they leave, this is the emotional day for everyone. We wanted to get them home to their families as quickly as we could,” he said. “We’re just happy to have them home with all their fingers and toes.”
Watts, a 28-year National Guard veteran, is stationed on Oahu, but flew to the Big Island to welcome the troops home.
“This is the best part of my job,” he said. “I really love these troops and their families.”
Third Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra said the homecoming holds special significance for him. Ibarra served 16 years in the National Guard, only resigning his lieutenant colonel commission when he was appointed to the bench.
“I enjoyed the military. In fact, I was commander of this very unit before I resigned my commission,” he said. “As members of the community, we’re very proud of our men. And as a judge, I’m proud of these men as law-abiding citizens who more than fulfilled their responsibilities. When the call came, they responded.”
Dick Scritchfield, with the American Legion Kona Post 20, said he came down to support the troops.
“It’s an important day. We’re glad to see them back,” said Scritchfield, who served in the Navy in Korea. “There’s a lot more of a welcome back for them than in other times. I’m sure they’re very excited to see their families here.”
Anxious families
Among those waiting at Kona International Airport were members of the McDonald family.
Blaze Rexroat, 20, said he and his cousins – Leihulu,15, and Leiuho, 9 – stayed up late making signs for Uncle Darrell.
Although they said they did hear from him via e-mail and the occasional phone call, they can’t wait to see him.
“He says he’s been having fun. I know he loves to travel so he’s been able to see lots of places,” Blaze said. “Hopefully, tonight he can tell us all about it.”
Leiuho said she missed jogging with her uncle and used to be able to keep up with him, but she’s not so sure about that now. She thinks maybe she’ll need a golf cart.
“We’re just glad that he coming back,” Leihulu said.
“There’s two more kids at home making more signs so he’ll see them in the driveway when we get home,” Blaze said. “And our great-grandma has been cleaning everything in the whole house. She can’t wait.”
Ruby McDonald is used to the military life as her brothers and husband served, but it’s different when it’s her son.
“It’s been a year and two weeks. But today makes everything seem short. They’re coming home,” she said. “Everyday, I’ve missed him. It’s the little things, like ‘ah shucks, he’s not here and the lawn needs mowing, this jar needs opening.’”
The Kaloko family also plans to open all the packages Darrell sent ahead, but warned the family not to open until he can distribute the presents himself.
Esaias Furtado is busy handing out lei and programs while waiting for her son Nalei Furtado Piko.
“It’s about time. He keeps saying he’ll sign up to deploy one more time,” she said. “I tell him it’s enough already. Maybe his wife can ground him.”
Nearly two dozen family members turned out at the airport.
“We missed the little things, all the holidays and family get-togethers,” she said. “He’s missed so many of my grandsons’ birthdays.”
Official comments
Pastor James Texeira of Solid Rock Ministries offered a prayer, before remarks by Ibarra and Watts.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be here. Be kind to each other,” Ibarra said. “Good luck to all of you and welcome home.”
Watts said he would not keep the men from their families much longer.
“I want to thank the families,” he said. “It’s a two-way street and I know you work very, very hard.”
Finally, the soldiers and their families were reminded that if they have any trouble readjusting to civilian life, there is help available.
“I’m very proud. They look good, they feel good,” Watts said. “It’s a very, very happy moment.”
Dismissed
Hugs and tears and tons of leis.
Jessie Lansdale was greeted by his girlfriend Kapina Palacat and their two daughters.
Lansdale’s youngest daughter Nohea was born July 20, 2008 – about three weeks before he shipped out. He hasn’t seen her since.
“It’s good. I’m so happy,” Lansdale said.
The McDonald family quickly surrounded Darrell.
“It’s great to see him. Nobody cried,” Blaze said. “But my great-grandma will when we get home, I just know it.”
Perhaps one of the happiest soldiers was Paul Angeleo. He had huge grins and big hugs for his fellow National Guardsmen, his family, their families, his friends, their friends and everyone else walking past.
“There’s my mom, my sisters, a bunch of cousins and about half of Kona,” he said. “It’s great. I’m so glad to be home and I can’t wait to see everyone and see all the changes.”
Asked whether he feels he now has two dozen brothers, Angeleo points to another man in uniform.
“That guy right there?” he said. “That really is my twin brother, Peter. But yeah, we’re all brothers.”
Angels of Delta Company
Deena Wong, coordinator of Angels of Delta Company, said the job is not done yet.
“We’re here for them and the families,” she said. “We won’t leave them.”
Contact Angels of Delta Company at angelsofdelta@yahoo.com or Angels of Delta Co, FRG, C/o DET-1, Co D, FSC, 29th BSB, PO Box 9007, Kealakekua, HI 96750.
Starting in September, the two existing security checkpoint screening lanes (left) will get additional support from a third lane that will extend up the walkway to the right. (Photo courtesy of state Department of Transportation)
MEDIA RELEASE
The state Department of Transportation and the Transportation Security Administration have announced the implementation of a new passenger security screening lane which will begin operating in September 2009 at Kona International Airport’s North Terminal.
Located to the right of the two existing North Terminal security lanes, the new lane will provide improved service to passengers between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and also Saturday evenings — the busiest times of day.
TSA estimates the total daily traffic through the North Terminal lanes at more than 2,200 passengers, with at least 900 of these passengers checking in at midday and 1,100 checking in Saturday evenings.
“The expanded service will not only improve the general level of security within the North Terminal but also enhance TSA’s ability to efficiently screen a much larger number of passengers,” said DOT Airports Deputy Director, Brian Sekiguchi.
“We’ll be able to increase the security screening capacity during these peak hours and this will greatly improve customer service as well as the experience of Hawaii’s travelers,” Sekiguchi said.
Planned changes to the North Terminal include connecting the two roofs between the existing TSA Security lane and the existing retail and concessions area, widening the walkway, and installing the new screening equipment.
Completion of the construction portion of the project is anticipated to be later this month, with the new screening lane opened for business by mid-September.
Smoke from Kona International Airport emergency training exercises is seen Tuesday, Feb. 24 from Queen Kaahumanu Highway. (Photo courtesy of Scott Stanton)
Firefighters and emergency crews at Kona International Airport are conducting training exercises this week.
Smoke can be seen from Queen Kaahumanu Highway during the exercises toward the north end of the airport.
The three-day training concludes Thursday, Feb. 26.
As part of the state’s $2.3 billion Airports Modernization plan, Gov. Linda Lingle this week released $1,678,000 to replace the baggage carousel in Kona International Airport’s south baggage claim area and construct a new interim baggage claim facility to increase capacity.
“Installing a more durable baggage system and increasing capacity will benefit airline staff as well as visitors and kamaaina arriving in Kona,” Lingle said. “The projects will also contribute to the success of our airport modernization efforts statewide.”
Currently, there is only one available carousel at the south baggage claim area, which is primarily used by Hawaiian Airlines, as well as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines.
Between 300 and 500 luggage pieces go through this area each hour of airport operation, which has caused significant wear and tear to the present flat-plate carousel. Downtimes, caused by extensive repairs, have inconvenienced passengers and airline staff.
Also this week, Lingle dedicated a new 1,800-stall parking structure at Honolulu International Airport.
The new parking structure at Honolulu International Airport, located between the interisland and overseas terminals, is eight stories tall and increases the number of parking stalls at Honolulu International Airport from 4,500 to approximately 6,300.
A 46 year-old Kailua-Kona man was arrested for drug offenses on Friday (January 30) at Keahole-Kona International Airport.
Investigators from the Area II Vice Section received information alleging that a James Potts Jr. was smuggling cocaine on a flight from California bound for Kona on the afternoon of January 30.
During the course of the investigation, police recovered approximately 3 ounces of suspected cocaine from Potts. He was charged Friday evening with one count each of promoting a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $3,000
The cocaine has an estimated street value of $6,000.
