HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0394.003 1996-1998 07 '22/~Ji 7IE 73: I8 FAS 967 8186
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National Park Service COUiv~l Y .;~~fiAi1
Hawaii volcanoes National Yark
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, FIawaii 96718
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P4N,ENT OF rNF
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_ NATIONAL PARK SERV]CE
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~ +e°~ Hawaii Volcanoes Natiunal Park
Y.O. Box 52
i~aeniv aeFen ro Hawaii 967]8-0052
N3615(HAVO)
July 22, 1997
Chairman James Arakaki and Councilmemhers
Hawai County Council
County of Hawaii
2~ r~upuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Councilinembers
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park fiilh~ sapports Cci~nty of Hawaii's Resolution #129-97 In
Relation to National Park Overflights. 1 he re;elut!cn, declaring support for Senator
\9cCain's National Parks Overflights act of '.997 (S.36sj, is in-line with park
management's staaitory mission - to p-otect park resources and visitor experiences from
adverse effects including those caused b~, fixed-~~ine and helicopter tours over the park's
developed and wilderness areas.
The National Park Service is required b}° law to preserve the path's natura( and cultural
resources unimpaired and to pro~~ide quality experiences for current and future visitors.
The daily operation of numerous low-]e~~el conun;rcial air tours over Hawaii Volcanoes
T~'ationa! Park negatively impacts the natural quiet and wilderness solitude, and diminishes
the quality of visitor enjoyment of the en~~iror.mer,i f~~~r study, inspiration, and recreation.
At times in the bast, the safep~ of ~.~i;itors and emplo., :es of the Nationa! Park Service,
L'~nitad States Geological Sun~e~~ anti other vo~er~~mrnY agencies conducting field
operations within the park are p!aceci :u risk b~,~ astir-ii}~ related to these o~~erflights.
Scientists express serious concern over helicopters i;o~~ering near their ~s~oric sites;
helicopter rotors disperse caustic volcanic fi~mes e~.nd p,irtic:es over geoloeists and engine
noise obscures the Volcano's warning sounds. ?~oi,~~ and dispersed lava particles and
Rimes compromise not only the visitor's experience bu* their safety as well.
OT=22=97 TLE 13:19 FAS 967 A186 13:a~~ai1 VUI~.A`.OES ,0003
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Paee Two
Chairman James Arakaki
Althoueh research has not been r~ndcrtakc? to deteni;iu~ the lung-tens effects of
overflights on park wildlite, park emp:o~ees base ~~bser. ed 'io (Hawaiian hawk) flying up
to~~~ards hovering helicopters. The~~'~ e also notes in,~aoces ~~.~here nene (Hawaiian geese)
Ilattened themselves to the ground and `apapane (H.i~~.;rian honeycreeper) stopped feeding
when helicopters passed overhead.
]t is the belief of the management of Hawaii Volcanoes ~'ational Park that resolution to
the environmental and safety issues of air tours over parklands wil( not occur without law.
Compliance by air tour operators kith any fonnel agi c~_ment between themselves, the
1v'aiional Park Service and the FAA will depend upon enforceable regulations.
Therefore, we commend CountyCu~ncilmember Joan Se.ninngelo's initiative in proposing
Resolution ;i 129-97 Ll Relation to National Parl: Ovcrtiights. It is a most positive step on
a local level to protect the natural quiet as a resource in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
and uphold oppoi~unities for ~~isitors to experience ii ~~.nimpaired for generations to come.
Respectfully submited,
i
~ Jan s F `Martin
i
perintendent