STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1612
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
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, 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 O'ahu Tour Helicopter Safety and Noise Inter-Action Group, HICoP, the
Kawaihapai Ohana, 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. Notably, a recent commercial helicopter crash in a
Kailua residential neighborhood narrowly avoided homes and cars on a busy
street. 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 prohibit helicopter companies from
flying over residential areas except for in emergency situations, thereby protecting
and improving the quality of life for many residents.
As affirmed by the
record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian
Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent
and purpose of H.C.R. No. 95 and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully
submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian
Affairs,
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MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair
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