GacoPoly LM60 waterproofing protects Honolulu Airport’s Wiki Wiki Tram

Airports present challenging construction environments, where constant passenger traffic and strict security requirements mean that even routine maintenance projects require careful planning. Learn how GacoPoly LM60 helped restore waterproofing protection beneath Honolulu International Airport’s Wiki Wiki Tram while keeping one of Hawaii’s busiest airports running smoothly.

What problem did Gaco help the building owner address?

Honolulu International Airport’s Wiki Wiki Tram system, which transports passengers between terminals and baggage claim areas, was leaking water through its above-ground split-slab concrete structure. Rainfall was leaking into areas below the tram in a high-traffic area, often splashing on the heads of passengers and employees. The airport needed a new, durable, waterproofing solution that could be installed without disrupting daily operations.

How did Gaco and the contractor help solve the problem?

Working with Gaco, Alcal Specialty Contractors installed 80,000 square feet of GacoPoly LM60 and GacoPoly E5691 Primer on the tram line. The 30-year warranty-backed 160 mil waterproofing assembly was applied after the onsite crew removed the existing top slab, waterproofed the structural deck and installed a new slab above the membrane. The area was tented and roped off during construction, allowing the airport to maintain normal operations while passengers were routed through alternate paths.

What made GacoPoly LM60 especially suitable for this building?

The elevated Wiki Wiki Tram needed a durable, waterproofing system capable of withstanding Honolulu’s frequent rainfall. Unlike traditional hot-rubber waterproofing systems commonly used in the region, GacoPoly LM60 is a cold-applied membrane that reduces jobsite safety risks and is much simpler to apply. Its one-pass application and monolithic protection made it the ideal solution for a complex, time-sensitive project.

How did Gaco help the facility owner drive down costs and reduce risks?

By restoring the tram’s waterproofing layer, GacoPoly LM60 helped the airport protect a critical piece of infrastructure. The LM60 coating will help protect the tram line and keep pedestrians dry underneath.

What about this project can help gaco and our contractors earn more business?

By breaking a specified competitor’s system and delivering a result that the installer and facility team were happy with, Gaco proved its system’s value in one of Hawaii’s most competitive waterproofing markets. As the largest completed LM60 installation in Hawaii, the Wiki Wiki Tram project showed future project teams that it can provide reliable, long-term waterproofing protection for critical infrastructure. “Using LM60 on the Honolulu Airport Wiki Wiki Tram project gave AlCal Specialty and other contractors trust in the product,” said Josh Wallwork, Area Manager, Strategic Building Products. “Once they saw firsthand how easy the application was and how well the system performed afterward, it opened the door to additional LM60 high-profile projects in Hawaii.”

What about this project highlights the hands-on approach of Gaco’s team of experts?

From product selection through installation, Gaco worked closely with Alcal Specialty Contractors to help secure and execute the project. The team provided technical guidance and field support throughout the installation process, helping the contractor navigate the complexities of working within a large-scale, highly visible environment.