Honolulu International Airport (HNL/PHNL) experienced shutdowns on a main taxiway each time large, 4-engined aircraft (i.e. Airbus A340, Boeing B747, etc.) passed.

The affected area contained a large amount of foreign object debris (FOD) in the form of loose coral. Jet blast from the aircraft's outboard engines would move the loose coral onto the runway and taxiway. Deemed a major hazard by ground safety personnel, the airport would routinely shutdown the area to remove the FOD.

HNL authorized installation of a test site to verify that Aviation-grade Artificial Turf (AGAT™) would eliminate the problem. The Air FieldTurf AGAT™ installation not only eliminated the FOD hazard, it also reduced the likelihood of birdstrikes by denying a source of food, water and shelter to wildlife.