Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown and nationwide staffing shortages, Hawaii airports have so far managed to avoid significant delays, according to Shelly Kunishige, spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) recently met with air traffic controllers across the state, including those at Hilo International Airport, to hear firsthand how the shutdown is affecting aviation safety, daily operations and family livelihoods.

Controllers nationwide missed their first full paycheck last week as the impasse in Washington continues. Despite working without pay, controllers on Hawaii island are keeping the skies safe, managing both interisland and trans-Pacific flights critical to the state’s connectivity, medical transport and tourism econ

See Full Page