HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-17 Letter to Scott Faulk re Essential Air Service at Kamuela Airport Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim ;..7�..•!t:: : ;
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•. 4 o:•Ni? Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
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January 17, 2019
Mr. Scott Faulk
Transportation Industry Analyst
U.S. Department of Transportation — Office of Aviation Analysis
Via E-Mail: scott.faulk@dot.gov
Dear Mr. Faulk,
RE: Essential Air Service at Kamuela Airport, Island of Hawaii
I understand the U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on its request
for proposals to provide Essential Air Service at the Kamuela Airport on the Island of Hawaii. Not to
question the application of any specific applicant; however, I would like to offer a brief statement
recognizing Mokulele Airlines' past service and performance.
For five years, Mokulele Airlines has reliably and safely served the greater North Kohala
community with air service out of the Kamuela Airport. Prioritizing passenger and crew safety,
Mokulele Airlines places two pilots on each flight and has shown to be a very dependable service
provider with a 98.6% flight completion rate and 94.8% on time record despite frequent localized
weather challenges experienced at this airport. The Airline's multiplatform reservations systems
benefit busy consumers and the established integrated connectivity interline service with another
airline is a plus in today's world of expanded air travel.
The County of Hawai'i sincerely appreciates the federal Department of Transportation's
continued commitment to Essential Air Service at the Kamuela Airport as the program supports a
community population made up of approximately 13% of the island and passenger counts have
continued to grow with a remarkable 75% increase between 2012 and 2013. The County stands by its
commitment to identify a local cost share to fulfill federal requirements.
5 er
Harry m
Mayor
c: Research & Development
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