COM 0394.003 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Pp r ~ P4N,ENT OF rNF a~a Unit~.~ States Departmellt of the ulterior y ~ ~ a _ NATIONAL PARK SERV]CE M"acH ~ +e°~ Hawaii Volcanoes Natiunal Park Y.O. Box 52 i~aeniv aeFen ro Hawaii 967]8-0052 N3615(HAVO) July 22, 1997 Chairman James Arakaki and Councilmemhers Hawai County Council County of Hawaii 2~ r~upuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Councilinembers Hawaii Volcanoes National Park fiilh~ sapports Cci~nty of Hawaii's Resolution #129-97 In Relation to National Park Overflights. 1 he re;elut!cn, declaring support for Senator \9cCain's National Parks Overflights act of '.997 (S.36sj, is in-line with park management's staaitory mission - to p-otect park resources and visitor experiences from adverse effects including those caused b~, fixed-~~ine and helicopter tours over the park's developed and wilderness areas. The National Park Service is required b}° law to preserve the path's natura( and cultural resources unimpaired and to pro~~ide quality experiences for current and future visitors. The daily operation of numerous low-]e~~el conun;rcial air tours over Hawaii Volcanoes T~'ationa! Park negatively impacts the natural quiet and wilderness solitude, and diminishes the quality of visitor enjoyment of the en~~iror.mer,i f~~~r study, inspiration, and recreation. At times in the bast, the safep~ of ~.~i;itors and emplo., :es of the Nationa! Park Service, L'~nitad States Geological Sun~e~~ anti other vo~er~~mrnY agencies conducting field operations within the park are p!aceci :u risk b~,~ astir-ii}~ related to these o~~erflights. Scientists express serious concern over helicopters i;o~~ering near their ~s~oric sites; helicopter rotors disperse caustic volcanic fi~mes e~.nd p,irtic:es over geoloeists and engine noise obscures the Volcano's warning sounds. ?~oi,~~ and dispersed lava particles and Rimes compromise not only the visitor's experience bu* their safety as well.