Ride-hailing apps get permanent OK for Honolulu airport pick-ups, drop-offs

By Kimi Andrew
HNN Summer Intern

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -- Uber and Lyft will now be able to do pick-up and drop-offs at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on a permanent basis, under new rules set to go into effect later this month.

Jade Butay, state Department of Transportation director, said a pilot program for ride-hailing apps and public hearings found "significant support and interest" in the services at Hawaii airports.

More than 160 testified at the public hearings in June and the majority expressed support for the changes, the state said.

The new rules making ride-hailing apps available at Honolulu's airport permanent go into effect on Aug. 24.

In response to the change, Tabatha Chow, Hawaii-based senior operations manager for Uber said, "We are thankful to the riders, drivers, and community members who expressed support for permanent Uber operations at HNL. Governor Ige's decision is good news for riders and drivers across the state."

An app serving the airport must be licensed by the Public Utilities Commission or a county agency will be able to apply for a permit from the state.

Ride-hailing companies will be able to pick up passengers at Honolulu's airport at two designated areas. Both are located on the second level median curb.

One pickup is at Terminal 1 – formerly the Interisland Terminal – across from Lobby 2; and the other is at Terminal 2 – formerly the Overseas Terminal – across from Lobby 8.

Ride-hailing apps still can't pick up riders at neighbor island airports, although drop-offs are allowed.