As the state Department of Transportation holds public meetings to determine what to do to repair Kahului Airport's main runway, it appears obvious to us the best option is the one that does not disrupt flights from the Mainland.
This option's first phase would lengthen the shorter of Maui's two runways to allow wide-body landings on it while the current main runway is rehabilitated.
In the end, the airport would end up with two runways that could handle wide-body planes.
Yes, it is the most expensive option, but it will also result in a permanent upgrade to the airport.
It also has the priceless benefit of not disrupting direct flights from the Mainland that currently account for well over half of our visitor traffic.
The other two options being studied by HDOT would shut off Mainland traffic - all visitors would have to come in on interisland flights that would land on the shorter runway. The main runway would be shut down for eight to 10 weeks under one plan, for three weeks under the other.
Both those options could have devastating effects on Maui's economy.
We think the plan that allows Mainland traffic to continue and results in two improved runways is clearly the best choice.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
