The first and last experience for virtually every visitor to our islands is Honolulu International Airport, with a small but growing number flying in and out of Neighbor Island facilities.

The sad fact, however, is that for most people this is an unpleasant experience.

Our airports are rundown, overcrowded and stressful.

It's time to change that. And with creative leadership and a willingness to partner with bright private entrepreneurs, we can give Hawai'i the first-rate airport it deserves.

Some of the problems with today's airport experience deal with logistics. In the wake of 9/11, security has been beefed up and the stress and strain of getting aboard a flight has been exacerbated.

But even without the security hassles, our airports fall woefully short of making the grade.

Now, after years of false starts and neglect, there is hope that the state may finally be moving to bring our airports into the 21st century.

Gov. Lingle recently announced a huge $2.3 billion upgrade to our airport system. Much of the money will go toward unglamorous, but badly needed, improvement to runways, better security systems, gate improvements and — most important — people-moving systems.

Safety and security are obviously a top priority.

But the upgrades must include an array of other improvements to enhance the overall experience people have as they use the airport.

Old-timers might recall the old airport on the lagoon side of the runway. True, it was a physical mess by today's standards, but many remember the experience of that airport fondly. From the smell of flowers, the ocean breezes, the excitement generated by travelers being greeted or sent off by family and friends.

There's no reason that kind of only-in-Hawai'i experience could not be replicated today at our airports — in a modern context.

SECURITY SET-UP

The first thing to look at is security, which today creates a relatively harsh barrier between travelers and those who might wish to see them off or greet them. Airport managers did what they could in the wake of 9/11, but clearly our current jury-rigged system is far from ideal.

There must be a way to bring the security barrier closer to departure gates, so more of the airport can be used and enjoyed by traveler and visitor alike. That means enhancing the physical appearance as well as amenities, which should include an enticing selection of restaurants, shops and other offerings.

The crown jewel of the Honolulu Airport today is the ground-level gardens. But most travelers hardly notice them, let along visit or enjoy them. It would be well worth the money to expand the gardens and offer other attractions that truly represent that Hawaiian sense of place so many of our visitors are after.

Granted, there are a few exhibits and some art work offering grace notes. But it's a safe bet to say that few passengers go home marveling about their airport experience here.

POSITIVE EXAMPLES

One might look at the new Vancouver International Airport, which offers arriving passengers the experience of going through a virtual Pacific Northwest rain forest as they move from plane to baggage and beyond.

Or San Francisco International airport, which has capitalized on its reputation as a food mecca with a broad selection of restaurants, bars and other facilities that replicate the finest "The City" has to offer. San Francisco also maintains one of the finest and wittiest collections of folk art that it rotates through the airport on a regular basis.

Now it is true the state should focus its spending on improving safety, security and efficiency. On the efficiency side, planners should look at airports such as Japan's Narita or Singapore's Changi.

But let's not get shortchanged on the aesthetics. Indeed, these amenities should be possible through innovative and forward-looking public-private partnerships.

There are creative people out there who should be willing to partner with the state to make Hawai'i's airport experience one that would be a world marvel.

All we need now is someone who's willing to get off the dime and make it happen.