HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The state's currently taking bids for a new parking structure at Honolulu Airport. Officials say it's not just another project, but a key piece for future plans there. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news This is the site of the state's new parking structure near Honolulu Airport near the intersection at Ualena and Paiea Street. About 5,200 parking stalls for employees and the public, office space, and a shuttle bus station. Estimated cost $350 million. "It's super important," said Rep. Darius Kila, state House transportation committee vice-chair. "I think the public knows how dilapidated some of the resources and facilities is at the airport, we're decades behind. But this infrastructure improvements are gonna put us decades ahead." State transportation officials tell us the cost includes design, demolition, and construction. They also say they're terminating the leases of certain businesses along Ualena street to make way for the new parking structure. They say they are already coordinating with those affected businesses. Enhanced security coming to Aloha Stadium Swap Meet From above, the proposed site seems like it's out of the way from the terminal. But that's because the terminal will eventually get closer. Officials say the parking structure is the first piece of the state's Diamond Head Extension Development program. That long term plan - extend Terminal 2 towards Diamond Head, then add more gates, a TSA checkpoint, a new inspection area for international arrivals, and more baggage claim. "Let Honolulu be that international, world class facility that, be an airport that we're proud of because if you think about it, this is probably the first stop for some folks if they're coming from across international waters, but even nationally too," said Kila. Officials say some airport improvements are funded 80% with federal money, 20% with state. Just this week, the state got $17 million in federal grants for fire safety upgrades at Honolulu Airport. The state is also working on fire safety upgrades at Kahului, Hilo and Kona airports. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You "We should be proud of our airport so with all these upgrades in the pipeline, I think once it's said and done, we are on track to making this a world class facility," said Kila. Once started, construction on the new structure is estimated to take 5 years.