2018-03-12 Letter to Lorrain R. Inouye re HB 2007, HD 1 Relating to GET exemption on Helicopter Servicing and Maintenance

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Harry Kim Maya• Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Depiq Managing Director (IT X.AlUUN Jaf 'Fai�avl* (offirr of f4r4avor 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 March 12, 2018 Senator Lorrain R. Inouye, Chair Committee on Transportation and Energy Hawaii State Capitol, Room 225 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Inouye, Chair Baker and Committee Members: Re: H13 2007, HD 1 Relating to GET Exemption on Helicopter Servicing and Maintenance Hearing Date: 03-14-18 —1:15 pm; Conference Room 225 Helicopters are a valued component of our tourism industry. They also have been a source of endless complaints from communities that lie in their flight paths, and there should be no doubt that noise can constitute both a nuisance and a health hazard, especially in otherwise tranquil rural areas. Helicopter companies are now asking the Legislature for special treatment with respect to the general excise tax. There is no suggestion of economic hardship; there is no suggestion that new facilities will be attracted to Hawaii; and there is no suggestion that the industry would use its savings to better accommodate those who live in their fly- over country. The exemption will simply add to the companies' bottom line. As you struggle to balance your budget, one must ask whether the added profits for these companies' owners could be better utilized in meeting the multiple needs that Hawaii faces. To me, the answer is that our transportation, education, social service needs, etc., should be a higher priority. I would urge a No vote on HB 2007, HD 1. Respectfully submitted, fHarry Kim Mayor, County of Hawaii County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.