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Harry Kim <br />11(2),,o/. <br />&until <br />Offirr of <br />Wil Okabe <br />A f anaging Dire'tor <br />Barbara J. Kossolv <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohok5lole Hwy,, Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />March 14, 2018 <br />Representative Henry J.C. Aquino, Chair <br />Committee on Transportation <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 423 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Aquino and Committee Members: <br />Re: SB 2474, SD 2 Relating to Aviation Noise In and Around HVNP <br />Hearing Date: 03-16-18 — 10:30 am; ouse Conference Room 423 <br />1 support <br />0 <br />2474, SD 2, and thank you for giving it a hearing. <br />S 2474, SD 2 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 Park. It also appropriates unspecified funds to the Department of Health to <br />conduct the study. <br />1 know that funding is tight, 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 />1 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 3 2474, SD 2 would be a positive way of moving the process forward. <br />Thank you for your consideration. <br />es ectfully submitted, <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Ha al <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />