HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-17 Letter to Donna Mercado Kim re: HCR 177, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter Air ToursHarry Kim
Mayor
Cxunfil
Wil Okabe
Managing 1)Irector
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy it funagmg Director
MiTirr 0
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April 17, 2018
Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair
Co mittee on Government Operations
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 414
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Kim and Com ittee Members:
Re: HCR 177, HD 1 Relating to Helicopter Air Tours
Hearing Date: 04/18/2018 — 2:00 em; Conference Room 414
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HCR 177, HD 1.
This SCR is a complement to SB 2474, HD 1 which would have required 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 was passed by the
Senate, but did not get a hearing in Finance.
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.
have met with tour operators and asked them to develop a plan to address noise and safety
issues. They have taken so e initial steps, and I commend them for that. Moreover, am hopeful that
tour operators and community members can work together. However, the history laid out in HCR 177,
HD 1 is eye-opening. How can our residents be asked to tolerate the status quo when it has been more
than a decade since the Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service asked for comments
on an Air Tour Management Plan Environ ental Assessment, and seven years since a preliminary draft
Air Tour Management Plan for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was published. That is an outrage.
also would note that HB 2007, HD 1, SD 2 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, I
don't think it would be unfair to say that tax giveaways should be reserved for good corporate citizens.
Perhaps the helicopter tour industry's cooperation with HCR 177, Hi 1 should be evaluated before HB
2007, HD 1, SD 2 is given any further consideration.
1 hope you will approve HCR 177, HD 1.
Res ectfully sub
ted,
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Ha ai`i
C'ounty of 1awaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and hniployer.