STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3553

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 13

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.R. No. 13 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ACTION REGARDING COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER TOUR OPERATIONS IN HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Federal Aviation Administration to take action regarding commercial helicopter tour operations in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that commercial helicopter tours have become a nuisance to many residents in areas over which tour helicopters fly, as the lack of regulation and popularity of this visitor activity have led to their significant increase. Your Committee further finds that the distress and disruption caused by chronic helicopter noise has become a public health concern and comprehensive regulation of these helicopters and the enforcement of those regulations are necessary. To address these concerns, this measure urges the Federal Aviation Administration to:

(1) More aggressively enforce existing laws against commercial tour operators in the State;

(2) Increase minimum flight altitudes for helicopters;

(3) Mandate offshore tour aircraft routes when appropriate; and

(4) Create air tour management plans for national parks in Hawaii.

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 S.R. No. 13 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair