The state announced three improvement projects at Honolulu Airport’s International Arrivals Building, with an estimated total budget of $2 million, are going  out to bid..

The projects are scheduled for completion before world leaders arrive here in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week.

The contracts should be awarded next month. 

"These projects are part of the State’s long-term plans to improve Honolulu International Airport," Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz said in a statement. "The IAB improvements were developed in response to input from tour operators on how to make the arrival experience more enjoyable for international visitors.

"Considering the important role that Japanese visitors play in our economy, and the growing importance of visitors from Korea and China, it was clear that these projects needed to be an important priority for Hawai’i. Fortunately, the state Department of Transportation was able to develop their plans so that the IAB improvements would also be ready for APEC, especially since it is anticipated that the IAB would also be used for APEC groups." 

The three projects are: 

>> Replacement of the canopy on the Ewa side of the IAB with a budget estimate of $400,000. This area is used for group tours and is envisioned as a receiving area for APEC groups as well. 

>> Replacement of flooring on the baggage level of the IAB with a budget estimate of $950,000. 

>> Repair and maintenance work for the IAB including lighting for both levels, a new ceiling in the area prior to entering the IAB from the third level escalator, the new rock garden area, improvements to the walkway from Gates 24-25, adding two Flight Information Display boards and improved signage in the baggage claim. The estimated budget is $650,000.