HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-02 Letter to Rosalyn H. Baker re SCR 183/SR 109 Relating to Helicopter Air ToursHarry Kim
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Idg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
Wil Okabe
Illanaging Director
Barbara J. kossow
Deputy Managing Director
April 2, 2018
Senator Rosalyn H. aker, Chair
Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health
awail State Capitol, Room 229
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chai
aker and Committee Members:
Re: SCR 183/SR 109 Relating to Helicopter Air Tours
Hearing Date: 04/03/2018 — 10:00 am; Conference Room 229
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SCR 183 and SR 109.
This SCR and SR are a perfect cam* ent to SB 2474, HD 1 which would
require the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation
Administration and the Department of Transportation, to conduct a study on the impacts
of aviation noise on residents of the State. That bill is presently in Finance but is not yet
scheduled for hearing. Whether or not it passes, SCR 183 and SR 109 should be
supported.
This noise (and safety) issue is a ong the most vexing that we face. Helicopters
have been a source of endless complaints from communities that lie in the flight path to
HVNIP, and there should be no doubt that noise can constitute both a nuisance and a
health hazard, especially in otherwise tranquil rural areas.
have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address
noise and safety issues. They have taken some initial steps, and 1 co mend the for
that. Moreover, lam hopeful that tour operators and community members can work
together. However, the history laid out in SCR 183 and SR 109 is eye-opening. How
can our residents be asked to tolerate the status quo when it has a een 14 years since
the Federal Aviation Administration and ational Park Service asked for comments on
an Air Tour Management Plan Environmental Assessment, and seven years since a
preliminary draft Air Tour Management Plan for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was
published. That is not acceptable.
1 also would note that HB 2007, HD 1 is a request from the helicopter industry for
a GET exemption on helicopter servicing and maintenance. While that might be thought
of as a separate issue, !don't think it would be unfair to say that tax giveaways should
County of I lawah is an l'qual Opportunity Provider and Fmployer.
April 2, 2018
Page 2
be reserved for good corporate citizens. Perhaps the helicopter tour industry's
cooperation with SCR 183 and SR 109 should be evaluated before HB 2007 is given
any further consideration.
1 hope you will approve SCR 183 and SR 109.
Respectful y submitted
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Ha ai
County of Ilawai i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.