STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2062

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.C.R. No. 180

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 180, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO SHARE INFORMATION ON THE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL TOUR OPERATORS TO HELP RESIDENTS AND VISITORS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation to share information on the safety and performance of commercial tour operators to help residents and visitors make informed decisions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Blue Hawaiian and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Transportation and Vertical Aviation International. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Jack Harter Helicopters.

Your Committee finds that the State has experienced a troubling number of helicopter tour crashes and safety incidents over the past two decades, resulting in dozens of fatalities and serious injuries. Inconsistent safety practices among commercial air tour operators, including varying levels of pilot training, equipment standards, and maintenance practices, pose ongoing risks to passengers, pilots, and the public. This measure promotes greater transparency and accountability in the helicopter tour industry, thereby reducing avoidable risks and enhancing public confidence in air transportation across the islands.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying the type of information the Department of Transportation is being requested to share to help residents and visitors;

(2) Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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.C.R. No. 180, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 180, S.D. 1, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair