HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz re SB 2474, SD 1 Relating to Aviation Noise In and Around HVNPFarr Kim
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Wil Okabe
Alanaging Direclor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-f.)044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
Senator Donovan M Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair
February 20, 2018
ela Cruz and Committee Members:
Re: SB 2474, SD 1 elating to Aviation Noise In and Around HVNP
Hearing Date: 2/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211
1 support SB 2474, SD 1, and thank you for giving it a hearing.
SB 2474, SD 1 would require that the Department 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 '''ark (HVNP). it also appropriates $200,000 to the Department of Health to
conduct the study.
1 know that funding is fight, 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, if 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 1 commend them for that. Moreover, lam
hopeful that tour operators and community members can work together. Having the study
called for in SB 2474, So 1 would be a positive way of moving the process forward.
Thank you for your consideration.
espectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawail
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