HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-01 Letter to Mike Gabbard and Rosalyn Baker re SB 2474 Aviation Noise in Around HVNP (2)Harry Kim
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Wil Okabe
lanagmg Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing L)iu dor
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
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February 1, 2018
Senator Mike Gabbard
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Rosalyn Baker
Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 224
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Senator Gabbard and Senator Baker:
Re: SB 2474 Aviati n Noise in Around HVNP
Hearing Date: 02/12/18 — 1:20 pm; Conference Room 224
I support SB 2474, and thank you for giving it a hearing.
SB 2474 would require that the De artment of Health conduct a study on the impact of aviation
noise on residents of the Puna District and surrounding areas of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It
also appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Health to conduct the study.
I know that funding is tight, but 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, i
positive suggestions and/or compromises emerge from the study's findings.
I have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address noise issues. They
have taken some initial steps, and I commend them for that. Moreover, I am hopeful that tour operators
and community members can work together. Having the study called for in SB 2474 would be a positive
way of moving the process forward.
Thank you for your consideration.
R- p-ctfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.