STAND. COM. REP. NO.  2057

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.R. No. 159

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.R. No. 159 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH NOISE SENSITIVE OPERATING PROCEDURES AND AIR TRAFFIC PATTERNS TO REDUCE AND CONTROL AIRCRAFT NOISE IMPACTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to reduce the impact on the health, welfare, and quality of life of Hawaii's residents from aircraft noise generated by commercial jet aircraft and tour helicopters by requesting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to, among other things:

     (1)  Do everything within its authority to fully implement aircraft noise abatement procedures and practices;

     (2)  Establish aircraft operating procedures and air traffic patterns to reduce and control the effect of aircraft noise impact on communities within the proximity of airports and aircraft flight paths; and

     (3)  Work with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a process for recorded verification that tour helicopters operate in compliance with FAA Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 71, and Special Operating Rules for Air Tour Operators in the State of Hawaii, Section 6(a) and (b).

     The Hanalei-Haena Community Association, Citizens Against Noise of Hawaii, and a concerned individual supported this resolution.  DOT supported the intent of this measure.  The North Shore Council and a concerned individual commented on this resolution.

     Hawaii has a substantial number of private, commercial, and military aircraft occupying its airspace and these aircraft have significant harmful effects not only on the health of Hawaii residents, but also on our environment and tourist-based economy.  Your Committee finds that the situation will only be exacerbated by increasing air travel and therefore immediate remedial action in collaboration with the FAA is in order.

     Your Committee has amended this resolution by:

     (1)  Adding Hawaii's Congressional Delegation as recipients of certified copies of this measure; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 159, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 159, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

HERMINA MORITA, Chair