Honolulu Harbor to Benefit from $59.2 Million Federal Grants for Modernization and Air Quality Improvement

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has been awarded $59.2 million in federal grants aimed at modernizing Honolulu Harbor and enhancing air quality in the surrounding port areas.

These significant funds are part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which is financed through the Inflation Reduction Act.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono emphasized the importance of Honolulu Harbor, stating, "Honolulu Harbor is essential to the delivery of food, medicine, and other goods people rely on not only on Oahu, but across Hawaii." She further noted that the investment in hydrogen-powered cargo tractors and a hydrogen fueling station will not only improve operational efficiency at the port but also significantly reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants that impact nearby communities.

Of the total grant, $56.7 million will be allocated for the construction of a hydrogen fueling facility at Honolulu Harbor, alongside the procurement of hydrogen-fueled tractors for the Sand Island Container Terminal.

Hawaii's Director of Transportation, Ed Sniffen, expressed gratitude for the support from the Biden Administration, the EPA, and the congressional delegation, stating, "These awards will greatly enhance the state’s commitment to reduce emissions and enable us to continue to adapt our commercial harbor facilities for future impacts of climate change." He highlighted that the hydrogen vehicles are crucial for driving transformational change in cargo operations at Honolulu Harbor.

Additionally, HDOT will receive $2.5 million to collaborate with local communities near the ports to devise strategies aimed at improving air quality in those areas.

As part of this initiative, the department will conduct a comprehensive air emissions inventory baseline study for ocean-going vessels, harbor craft, and cargo handling equipment operating across the state’s nine commercial ports. This federally funded study will also propose recommendations for emissions reduction targets and strategies to achieve these goals. The baseline established will serve as a benchmark for HDOT to measure progress in the coming years.

HDOT is among 55 applicants from 27 states sharing nearly $33 billion in grants through the Clean Ports Program, marking a significant step towards sustainable port operations.