Tourists sometimes have trouble getting to the Honolulu Airport on time because of traffic congestion. An airport substation would let them check in their luggage and secure a boarding pass several hours early, the House Tourism committee said. That way once they get to the airport, they can go directly to their departure gate.

The committee has given an initial approval of the study to see how feasible a Honolulu City Air Terminal would be.

Other cities, such as Tokyo, already have such facilities.

Lawmakers said they need to study the best funding, location and operation needed for such a terminal.

The possibility of operating the substation without state funding will definitely be explored since the state is going through financial problems, the committee added.

Officials would also be looking into ground transportation for passengers between going between the airport and Waikiki.

State and federal departments, along with the Airlines Committee of Hawaii, would study the ideas under the proposal.