HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-12 Letter to Lorrain R. Inouye re HB 2007, HD 1 Relating to GET exemption on Helicopter Servicing and MaintenanceHarry Kim
Maya•
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Depiq Managing Director
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(offirr of f4r4avor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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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.