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Farr Kim <br />tayor <br />Giunfg. <br />ffi rr0 <br />11 <br />Wil Okabe <br />Alanaging Direclor <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-f.)044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />Senator Donovan M Dela Cruz, Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair <br />February 20, 2018 <br />ela Cruz and Committee Members: <br />Re: SB 2474, SD 1 elating to Aviation Noise In and Around HVNP <br />Hearing Date: 2/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211 <br />1 support SB 2474, SD 1, and thank you for giving it a hearing. <br />SB 2474, SD 1 would require that the Department of Health conduct a study on the <br />impact of aviation noise on residents of the Puna District and surrounding areas of the Hawaii <br />Volcanoes National '''ark (HVNP). it also appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Health to <br />conduct the study. <br />1 know that funding is fight, but this noise issue is one of the most vexing that we face. <br />Helicopters have been a source of endless complaints from communities that lie in the flight <br />path to HVNP, and there should be no doubt that noise can constitute both a nuisance and a <br />health hazard, especially in otherwise tranquil rural areas. <br />Tour companies that bear the brunt of the public's ire could also benefit from such a <br />study, if positive suggestions and/or compromises emerge from the study's findings. <br />I have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address noise <br />issues. They have taken some initial steps, and 1 commend them for that. Moreover, lam <br />hopeful that tour operators and community members can work together. Having the study <br />called for in SB 2474, So 1 would be a positive way of moving the process forward. <br />Thank you for your consideration. <br />espectfully submitted, <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Hawail <br />nit: oF Ilawai'i is an iiquai Oppor <br />ty <br />)rovider and Nmployer. <br />