HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-14 Letter to Bob Ernst re Helicopter Noise Mfr or........••M
• �'r , Wil Okabe
•^^• Managing Director
•
�V
Harry Kim � •: � —:�... '•
Mayor '
Barbara J.Kossow
' ' -• �. Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
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
November 14, 2017
Hawai'i Island Coalition Malama Pono
do Bob Ernst
rce1@isp.com
PO Box 711356
Mountain View, HI 96771
Dear Mr. Ernst and HICoP Board:
RE: Helicopter Noise
When I first met with Mr. Ernst in August, I understood HICoP's complaint about
helicopter noise and personally empathized with all who treasure the precious stillness of
nature. I promised that I would address your request for assistance within the authority
that I have as Mayor of Hawaii County, and for the mutual benefit of all residents and
stakeholders on Hawai'i Island. I also explained to you the approach I would take.
As you know, I subsequently hosted a meeting with the helicopter tour operators.
They agreed to develop and present to me a proposed solution.
On October 10, I wrote to you in response to the many email messages I received
that were generated through your website and public outreach efforts. I reiterated my
experience working on this same issue to no avail with Congresswoman Patsy Mink many
years ago. In my letter I encouraged you to continue advocating for assistance from our
congressional delegation at the federal level, with whom such responsibility lies. I closed
my letter with the promise that I will continue to pursue this issue in the manner that I feel
is most helpful but will not continue if you feel this is not desired or beneficial.
I continue to receive email messages that urge an off-shore route as the one and
only solution. I never stated that I would, or could for that matter, legislate a specific route.
I have no authority over flight paths and FAA regulations, and simply demanding that I
County of Hewer i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Pmployer
November 14, 2017
Page 2
support an off-shore route will accomplish nothing. Experience has taught me that an all-
or-nothing approach never works. Long lasting solutions rarely arise out of conflict.
As your Mayor, I will continue to work on behalf of all constituents to arrive at a
compromise satisfactory to all. The local tour industry is currently financing the
development of an online complaint platform and creating self-governing protocols for
complaint response. I expect the industry to launch the program soon and look forward
to seeing progress on this important issue.
Please understand that I will continue to work with HICoP and with the tour
operators. I trust that we can all collaborate in good faith for the sake of community well-
being, and avoid divisive actions. The pace may not be as quick as you'd like, but I will
continue to keep you appraised and be open to constructive suggestions.
Sincerely,
Harry Kim
Jx
Mayor
By Email to rcelisp.com
County of Hawa''i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer