According to a Star Bulletin report, the cost to airlines for  using the passenger waiting lounge at the Hilo airport could go up by as much as 371%, adding about $20 to the cost of your fare.

The state Department of Transportation, citing airport activity and revenue and expenditure forecasts, increased the holdroom rate at Hilo to $18.43 a passenger from $3.91. It was the second increase in five months after the rate was adjusted to $3.91 from $2.81 on Feb. 1.

“These charges will significantly impact air travel, result in much higher fares, less service and ultimately could result in the elimination of all service to Hilo,” said Jonathan Ornstein, chairman and chief executive of Mesa Air Group, the parent of go! “It’s 100 times higher than it is in Kona.”

As a frequent user of the Hilo airport, this stinks

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