[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 59 (Thursday, March 30, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H4023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO RESTRICT FLIGHTS OVER CERTAIN AREAS OF 
                     HAWAII'S NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore [Mr. Fox] of Pennsylvania]. Under a previous 
order of the House, the gentlewoman from Hawaii [Mrs. Mink] is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, the air tour helicopter industry in 
the State of Hawaii has recently experienced tremendous growth that is 
forecasted to continue. Helicopter tours provide a unique opportunity 
to view the natural beauty of parts of my State, especially the 
distinctive characteristics of Hawaii's national parks. The elderly, 
disabled, and others who would otherwise be unable to see the parks on 
foot are enabled by helicopters.
  However, despite these advantages, noise disturbances in the parks 
have increased with the growth of the industry that have agitated 
hikers, campers, adjacent residents, and native animal species whose 
precious habitat is being conserved by the parks. A balance must be 
struck between the helicopter industry and those rightfully wishing to 
enjoy the parks, which my legislation seeks to achieve.
  I am reintroducing legislation that would apply specifically to 
overflights above Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National 
Park, Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park, Pu'u Kohola Heiau 
National Historic Site, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
  My bill applies to helicopter and fixed-wing flights over the 
designated park system units in Hawaii through the establishment of an 
above-ground standoff altitude of 1500-feet and flight-free zones over 
specific parks. My bill would also address additional safety concerns 
by requiring short-term sightseeing flights which begin and end at the 
same airport and are conducted within a 25-mile radius to comply with 
stricter Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] flight standards.
  Currently, the FAA has in place emergency regulations for commercial 
air tour operators in Hawaii requiring a 1500-foot minimum standoff 
distance or above-ground-level, implemented in October, 1994. FAA 
promulgated these regulations in response to a significant increase in 
the number of air tour crashes in Hawaii, including two in July 1994--
one resulting in three fatalities. The regulations also included 
additional measures to improve safety within the industry: thorough 
self-review, use of flotation devices such as pontoons and lifejackets, 
pre-flight safety briefings, and mechanical recommendations for the 
operation of air tour vehicles.
  Despite these regulations, many of my constituents continue to report 
tour helicopters flying and hovering at low altitudes near their homes 
and over the parks. The FAA has reported 20 enforcement actions raised 
against air tour operators for violations of the regulations. For these 
reasons, the need for my legislation is even more necessary. Similar 
legislation has already been put into place and successfully 
implemented for air tour operators at Grand Canyon National Park.
  It is indisputed that Hawaii's commercial air tour industry is an 
integral part of the State's economy. However, the industry must be 
required to improve its standards of safety and noise control for the 
good of the State's residents, visitors and natural resources.
  I urge my colleagues to support and take swift action on my 
legislation.


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