For Kona to be successful in the future, its residents must embrace the changes it faces. One of these changes is the expansion of the Kona Airport. It is a “diamond in the rough” whose gates opened on July 1, 1970 and operates with a swath of only 6,500 feet (“Airport History”). During its first anniversary, it successfully welcomed more than 515,000 passengers. The original style was one of outdoor entertaining and tropical island scenery. While these are important memories of the Kona Airport, changing times will bring great possibilities and growth for the island's future. In essence, the Kona Airport expansion could potentially propel Kona into a future of unlimited success. Not only to help our local community while building international connections, but also to take Hawaii tourism to the next level. (The development plan is underlined.)When people think of Kona, they imagine swaying palm trees stretching across endless sandy beaches. They are planning a lovely holiday in the sun and the chance to explore the beautiful island. For the people who live here, that's not always the case. In addition to the island's strengths, we must accept its faults. Many people need a job and the security it brings. The expansion will not only generate jobs but also give people “peace of mind” as it is beneficial to its residents. It would bring changes to the quality of life of certain people. With the growing number of families needing state assistance, the funds won't last forever. Except for a few, many residents are barely able to pay their bills. For some, they truly live in poverty. Under these circumstances, Kona must be innovative for the future sustainability of the island. To be realistic...... middle of paper ......ts Division. State of Hawaii Department of Transportation. “Airport History”. Airport Fact Sheet - Hawaii Airports. NP, 2014. Web. April 21, 2014. .Jensen, Chelsea. “A second gateway? » West Hawaii today. Stephens Media, December 19, 2012. Web. April 20, 2014. "VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard calls on Homeland Security Secretary Johnson to resolve Kona International Airport customs problem and rising air travel fees." Official US News. (Wednesday February 26, 2014): 1268 words. Academic LexisNexis. Internet. Date of consultation: 04/25/2014.Wayne, Takemoto. Personal interview. April 15, 2014. Writer, team. "Development." West Hawaii today. October 10, 2010, Letters - Your voice: NewsBank. Internet. April 26, 2014. Writer, team. “Lawmakers consider reviving the economy the top priority.” West Hawaii today. January 13, 2011, Local: NewsBank. Internet. April 26. 2014.