 All housing and major hangars were completed in 1918 , including a large steel @-@ and @-@ wood hangar , two concrete hangars for seaplanes and flying boats , a supply warehouse , a machine shop , a photography laboratory and a powerhouse . In 1919 , the field was named Luke Field after Frank Luke , a World War I ace and Medal of Honor recipient . The U.S. Army 's introduction of aviation to Ford Island triggered expansion throughout Hawaii with the development of civilian airports , the creation of the Hawaii chapter of the National Aeronautic Association , and a national flying code . The army 's aviation division was generally favorably received by the Hawaiians , who took the military 's investment in their land as a compliment . 
