2018-01-31 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Rosalyn Baker re SB 2474 Concerning Aviation Noise

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Harry Kim /aye r Ccrunfg ffi Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. kossow 1)eputy Managing flirec to 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 January 31, 2018 Senator Mike Gabbard Hawail State Capitol, Room 201 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Rosalyn Baker Hawaii State Capitol, Room 230 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Senator Gabbard and Senator Baker: Re: SB 2474 Concerning Aviation Noise SB 2474 has been referred jointly to your committees, and I would like to ask that the bill be scheduled for hearing at your earliest convenience. As you know, SB 2474 would require the Department of Health to conduct a study on the impact of aviation noise on residents of the Puna District and surrounding areas of the Hawail Volcanoes National Park (HVNP). It also appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Health to conduct the study. I know that funding is tight, ilut this noise issue is one of the most vexing that we face. Helicopters have been a source of endless complaints from communities that lie in the flight path to HVNP, and there should be no doubt that noise can constitute both a nuisance and a health hazard, especially in otherwise tranquil rural areas. Tour companies that bear the brunt of the public's ire could also benefit from such a study, if positive suggestions and/or compromises emerge from the study's findings. Favorable action on SB 2474 would, of course, be hoped for, but even the first step, holding a hearing on this bill, would be a great service to many Hawaii County residents. Thank you for your consideration. Res ectfully submitted, Harry Kim \--- Mayor, County of Hawaii cc: Senators Green, Inouye, Kahele, Rude an County of FIawai`iis an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.