Letter: Honolulu airport needs maintenance

I recently had an opportunity to experience the airports in Seoul (Incheon) and Singapore (Changi). They are both user-friendly in terms of signage, amenities and overall maintenance. The Changi airport even uses electronic screens to give travelers the opportunity to rate their airport experience. The Incheon airport has a quality transit hotel located within the terminal.

And then I returned to our airport and looked at it in the context of what I had experienced in the other two. I was appalled and even embarrassed to realize what the international traveler or first-time user must think when they arrive. There was a lack of clear signage, the “wiki wiki” buses are a joke and there is a lack of maintenance illustrated by “out of order” signs in the bathroom and baggage carousel. It’s hard to believe what a vital role tourism plays in the Hawaii economy based on the impression conveyed by our facilities.

I realize the airport is undergoing a major renovation and expansion, but this should not put basic maintenance on hold in the interim.

Jim Patterson

McCully-Moiliili

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