HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-02 Letter to Scott Y. Nishimoto and Joy A. San Buenaventura re: HCR 177, HD 1 and HR 148, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter ToursHarry Kim
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25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Depuo, Managing Director
April 2, 2018
Representative Scott Y. Nishimoto, Chair
Committee on Judiciary
Hawail State Capitol, Room 325
Honolulu, HI 96813
Representative Joy A. San Buenaventura, Vice -Chair
Committee on Judiciary
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 325
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Nishimoto, Vice -Chair San Buenaventura, and Committee Members:
Re: HCR 177, HD 1/HR 148, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter Tours
Hearing Date: 04/04/2018 — 2:30 pm; Conference Room 325
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HCR 177, HD 1 and HR
148, HD 1.
This HCR and HR are a perfect complement 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 con uct a study on the impacts
of aviation noise on residents of the State. That bill is presently in Finance but has not
been scheduled for hearing.
This noise (and safety) issue is among 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.
1 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 commend them for
that. Moreover, lam hopeful that tour operators and corn unity members can work
together. However, the history laid out in HCR 177, HD 1 and HR 18, HD 1 is eye-
opening. How can our residents be asked to tolerate the status quo when it has been
14 years since the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service asked for
comments on an Air Tour Management Plan Environmental Assessment, and seven,
County of 1 Iawai'i is an [qual Opportunity Provider and Frripl()yer.
April 2, 2018
Page 2
years since a preliminary draft Air Tour Management Plan for Hawail Volcanoes
National Park was published. That is not acceptable.
It cannot go unnoticed 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, 1 don't think it would be unfair to say that tax
giveaways should be reserved for goo corporate citizens. Perhaps the helicopter tour
industry's cooperation with HCR 177, HD 1 and HR 148, HD 1 should be evaluated
before HB 2007 is given any further consideration.
1 hope you will approve HCR 177, HD 1 and HR 148, HD 1.
County of 1
Mayor, County of Hawaii
afi is an ',qua Opportunity Provider and Employer,