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Harry Kim <br />itiqi•or <br />.4"11Per <br />Crattfg <br />Offirr <br />vat <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Idg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />Wil Okabe <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Depuo, Managing Director <br />April 2, 2018 <br />Representative Scott Y. Nishimoto, Chair <br />Committee on Judiciary <br />Hawail State Capitol, Room 325 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura, Vice -Chair <br />Committee on Judiciary <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 325 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Nishimoto, Vice -Chair San Buenaventura, and Committee Members: <br />Re: HCR 177, HD 1/HR 148, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter Tours <br />Hearing Date: 04/04/2018 — 2:30 pm; Conference Room 325 <br />Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HCR 177, HD 1 and HR <br />148, HD 1. <br />This HCR and HR are a perfect complement to SB 2474, HD 1 which would <br />require the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation <br />Administration and the Department of Transportation, to con uct a study on the impacts <br />of aviation noise on residents of the State. That bill is presently in Finance but has not <br />been scheduled for hearing. <br />This noise (and safety) issue is among the most vexing that we face. Helicopters <br />have been a source of endless complaints from communities that lie in the flight path to <br />HVNP, and there should be no doubt that noise can constitute both a nuisance and a <br />health hazard, especially in otherwise tranquil rural areas. <br />1 have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address <br />noise and safety issues. They have taken some initial steps, and 1 commend them for <br />that. Moreover, lam hopeful that tour operators and corn unity members can work <br />together. However, the history laid out in HCR 177, HD 1 and HR 18, HD 1 is eye- <br />opening. How can our residents be asked to tolerate the status quo when it has been <br />14 years since the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service asked for <br />comments on an Air Tour Management Plan Environmental Assessment, and seven, <br />County of 1 Iawai'i is an [qual Opportunity Provider and Frripl()yer. <br />