2018-02-01 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Rosalyn Baker re SB 2474 Aviation Noise in Around HVNP

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Harry Kim Alaj,or (ittrutify ffirr Wil Okabe lanagmg Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing L)iu dor 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 February 1, 2018 Senator Mike Gabbard Committee on Agriculture and Environment Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Rosalyn Baker Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Senator Gabbard and Senator Baker: Re: SB 2474 Aviati n Noise in Around HVNP Hearing Date: 02/12/18 — 1:20 pm; Conference Room 224 I support SB 2474, and thank you for giving it a hearing. SB 2474 would require that the De artment of Health conduct a study on the impact of aviation noise on residents of the Puna District and surrounding areas of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It also appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Health to conduct the study. I know that funding is tight, but 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, i positive suggestions and/or compromises emerge from the study's findings. I have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address noise issues. They have taken some initial steps, and I commend them for that. Moreover, I am hopeful that tour operators and community members can work together. Having the study called for in SB 2474 would be a positive way of moving the process forward. Thank you for your consideration. R- p-ctfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.