Hawaii tourism officials dedicated the first phase of the new international arrivals corridor at the Honolulu Airport on Oct. 15.

The enclosed, air-conditioned walkway features a moving sidewalk, views of Diamond Head and the work of 40 local artists.

"Our state airports provide visitors with their first and last impressions of our islands," said Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Brennon Morioka. "That's why it's important to invest in projects like this, which improve and modernize our airport facilities and enhance the overall experience for visitors and residents."

The entire corridor is scheduled for completion near the end of 2010 and will measure nearly 2,100 feet in length while offering travelers a series of three autowalk systems and reducing the need for Wikiki Wikiki shuttle buses.

The corridor is one of many projects included in Hawaii's $2.3 billion Airports Modernization Plan launched by Gov. Linda Lingle in 2006. The federal government provided 75% of the funds for the $37 million corridor project.