Five major Hawaii airports have achieved Level 3 certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, marking a significant step in the state's push to decarbonize aviation. The airports include Daniel K. Inouye International in Honolulu, Kahului on Maui, Ellison Onizuka Kona International and Hilo International on the Big Island, and Lihue on Kauai. Level 3 requires airports to map all emissions, set a net-zero target, reduce emissions below a three year rolling average, and work with partners like airlines and concessionaires to cut third party emissions. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has set a goal to cut airport controlled emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2045. Key strategies include vehicle electrification, expanding emissions inventories to cover aircraft and ground transport, and following the 2025 Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan. The department notes that hitting net zero will depend on continued state and federal funding for infrastructure projects. This is a concrete example of how public sector carbon management programs can align with broader state climate statutes.
