HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-31 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Rosalyn Baker re SB 2474 Concerning Aviation NoiseHarry Kim
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. kossow
1)eputy Managing flirec to
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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January 31, 2018
Senator Mike Gabbard
Hawail State Capitol, Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Rosalyn Baker
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 230
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Senator Gabbard and Senator Baker:
Re: SB 2474 Concerning Aviation Noise
SB 2474 has been referred jointly to your committees, and I would like to ask that the bill be
scheduled for hearing at your earliest convenience.
As you know, SB 2474 would require the Department of Health to conduct a study on the impact
of aviation noise on residents of the Puna District and surrounding areas of the Hawail Volcanoes
National Park (HVNP). It also appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Health to conduct the study.
I know that funding is tight, ilut this noise issue is one of 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.
Tour companies that bear the brunt of the public's ire could also benefit from such a study, if
positive suggestions and/or compromises emerge from the study's findings.
Favorable action on SB 2474 would, of course, be hoped for, but even the first step, holding a
hearing on this bill, would be a great service to many Hawaii County residents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Res ectfully submitted,
Harry Kim \---
Mayor, County of Hawaii
cc: Senators Green, Inouye, Kahele, Rude an
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