2018-04-17 Letter to Donna Mercado Kim re: HCR 177, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter Air Tours

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Harry Kim Mayor Cxunfil Wil Okabe Managing 1)Irector Barbara J. Kossow Deputy it funagmg Director MiTirr 0 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 April 17, 2018 Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair Co mittee on Government Operations Hawaii State Capitol, Room 414 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Kim and Com ittee Members: Re: HCR 177, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter Air Tours Hearing Date: 04/18/2018 — 2:00 em; Conference Room 414 Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HCR 177, HD 1. This SCR is a complement to SB 2474, HD 1 which would have required the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation, to conduct a study on the impacts of aviation noise on residents of the State. That bill was passed by the Senate, but did not get a hearing in Finance. This noise (and safety) issue is among 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. have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address noise and safety issues. They have taken so e initial steps, and I commend them for that. Moreover, am hopeful that tour operators and community members can work together. However, the history laid out in HCR 177, HD 1 is eye-opening. How can our residents be asked to tolerate the status quo when it has been more than a decade since the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service asked for comments on an Air Tour Management Plan Environ ental Assessment, and seven years since a preliminary draft Air Tour Management Plan for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was published. That is an outrage. also would note that HB 2007, HD 1, SD 2 is a request from the helicopter industry for a GET exemption on helicopter servicing and maintenance. While that might be thought of as a separate issue, I don't think it would be unfair to say that tax giveaways should be reserved for good corporate citizens. Perhaps the helicopter tour industry's cooperation with HCR 177, Hi 1 should be evaluated before HB 2007, HD 1, SD 2 is given any further consideration. 1 hope you will approve HCR 177, HD 1. Res ectfully sub ted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Ha ai`i C'ounty of 1awaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and hniployer.