STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2345

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2649

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 2649 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TOUR AIRCRAFT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve tour aircraft safety by requiring that tour aircraft permit seekers have aircraft that are outfitted with Federal Aviation Approved safety devices.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Stop Disrespectful Air Tourism!, Oahu Tour Helicopter Safety and Noise Interaction Group, Pearl City Neighborhood Board, Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board #1, Kailua Neighborhood Board #31, and seven individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Helicopter Association

Your Committee finds that in 2019 alone, there were two helicopter crashes in the State of Hawaii resulting in ten fatalities. Your Committee further finds given the geographic and weather conditions in Hawaii, certified instrument flight technology and flotation devices are integral safety devices for tour helicopter. This measure would require tour aircraft to be outfitted with those safety devices before being granted permits to operate.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2649 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair