STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1154

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.C.R. No. 95

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 95 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING HAWAII HELICOPTER COMPANIES TO AVOID CONDUCTING NON‑EMERGENCY FLIGHTS OVER RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge Hawaii helicopter companies to avoid conducting non-emergency flights over residential neighborhoods.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of Hawaii's congressional delegation, the Windward Coalition, O‘ahu Tour Helicopter Safety and Noise Inter-Action Group, HICop, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that commercial helicopter flights are a popular activity in Hawaii. However, while these flights are popular amongst visitors of the State, it has become a nuisance and danger to many residents as these commercial helicopter flights fly over residential neighborhoods. The increase in commercial helicopter flights has also increased safety risks and noise pollution for many residents. Although commercial helicopter flights have contributed to economic growth in the State, there are safety concerns when those flights take place over residential areas. Your Committee believes that a compromise would be to limit helicopter companies from flying over residential areas, thereby improving the quality of life for many residents.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 95 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair