State To Allow Lyft, Uber To Operate Permanently At Honolulu Airport

UPDATED: The companies have been operating there as part of a pilot program since last year.

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(AP) — Hawaii will allow ride-hailing services to operate at the Honolulu airport on a permanent basis after changes were approved to administration rules.

Uber and Lyft, which the state refers to as transportation network companies, have operated at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport since December 2017 under a pilot program to test feasibility.

Gov. David Ige signed off Tuesday on the amended rules that go into effect Aug. 24, allowing the transportation companies licensed by the state to apply for a permit from the state Department of Transportation.

Uber Lyft driver along Lagoon Drive Airport Ridesharing.
An Uber/Lyft driver at the Honolulu airport. Cory Lum/Civil Beat
The decision followed a series of public meetings held across the state on the proposed changes, the first rule changes for commercial services at airports since 2002.

“The pilot program and the public hearings found there is significant support and interest in TNC services at our airports,” transportation director Jade Butay said in a statement. “The rules are in place to ensure there is a level playing field for all prearranged ground transportation companies.”

Uber and Lyft will continue to use two designated areas to pick up passengers at the Honolulu airport.

Passenger drop-offs are allowed at airports on other Hawaii islands, but permitting and pickup operations for ride-hailing services have not been established, state officials said. The transportation department plans to review each island’s licensing regulations regarding the amended administrative rules at the airports.

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