[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
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

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 1999

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I recently introduced legislation 
limiting adverse impacts of commercial air tour operations on National 
Park units in the State of Hawaii. I believe certain parks must be 
declared flight-free, spared from the intrusive noise, and maintained 
as calm refuges for the enjoyment of all Americans. My legislation does 
just that.
  Special consideration must be given to the detrimental impacts on 
parks by commercial air tours, several of which have in the past 
demonstrated a lack of concern for the needs of park occupants and 
visitors, even to go so far as to jeopardize the safety of their 
passengers. These minimum altitudes and standoff distances are equally 
important to preserve natural habitat for endangered and threatened 
birds and other species that make their homes in the parks.
  Even with the progress recently made between the air tour operators, 
the environmentalists and the federal government, I continue to receive 
complaints from hikers and visitors to Hawaii's parks, as well as 
residents living next to the parks. My bill is necessary to enforce 
noise controls on these operations.
  Main provisions of my bill include prohibitions of flights over 
Kaloko Honokohau, Pu'u honua o Honaunau, Pu'u kohola Heiau, and 
Kalaupapa National Historic Parks, as well as sections of Haleakala and 
Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. A minimum 1,500 foot altitude 
restriction is enforced for all other parts of Haleakala and Hawaii 
Volcanoes National Parks.
  Our National Parks are our environmental legacy to our children. Not 
only must they be allowed to enjoy the beauty of the National Parks, 
they must also be able to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness that 
accompanies these important sites. By establishing these flight-free 
zones, we can ensure that the whole experience of visiting a National 
Park is maintained.
  I strongly urge my colleagues' support of my legislation.

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