Construction on a $19.9 million project to build an emergency power facility at Honolulu Airport is to begin next month.

Four generators will provide up to 10 megawatts of electrical power to the airport during an emergency. 

The state Public Utilities Commission has approved an agreement between Hawaiian Electric Company and the state Department of Transportation for the utility to use the emergency power facility up to 1,500 hours per year to provide power to customers.

Transportation officials say Hawaiian Electric will compensate the state with monthly payments and maintenance reimbursements that could reach $14 million over 20 years. 

Last month, Hawaiian Electric signed a contract with Pacific Biodiesel to provide renewable fuel for the facility. The contract is pending approval from the Public Utilities Commission.