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(See all contact information at bottom...)

Hawai'i can be an amazingly beautiful and peaceful place. The calm serenity that we've all come to associate with this mid-Pacific archipelago, whether from magazine photographs, television, or personal experience, is under attack from above. Air tour companies are taking advantage of travel routes to and from their private airfields, and crossing residential subdivisions throughout the Islands, enroute to the next scenic destination, resulting in excessive noise pollution for those who live here.

Not only does the noise pollution from overhead helicopters significantly reduce the level of enjoyment residents may otherwise experience in their own backyards, it also has wide ranging health effects that are just now coming to public light. Exposure to noise causes physiological activation such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, peripheral vasoconstriction and increased peripheral vascular resistance. Studies have found higher blood pressure in kids due to the impact of aircraft noise. A 1995 German study found a link between chronic noise exposure and elevated nervous system activity and cardiovascular levels in children. And a 2005 study published in the prestigious British medical journal, The Lancet, found that kids living near airports in Britain, Holland and Spain lagged behind their classmates in reading by two months for every five decibel increase above average noise levels in their surroundings. The study also associated aircraft noise with lowered reading comprehension, even after socio-economic differences were considered.

As a lifetime nature lover who tries to appreciate and share the many bounties our world has to offer whenever possible, I rejoice when Nature reaps a rare victory, such as the ban of Helicopters over Machu Picchu, where the noise of the propellers affected local wildlife. (Hats off to the regional government, who stated: "When a country accepts that one of its areas is declared a cultural or natural heritage site it assumes the responsibility to preserve it, that's why commercial flights to Machu Picchu should be prohibited." Take note, Hawai'i.)

Crater Lake, one of the scenic wonders of the world, has just recently implemented a ban on tour helicopters. To quote: "...a first step in keeping our national parks free of noise pollution that can ruin visitors’ experience".

Further, witness this attempt on a ban on Brooklyn tourist flights (as always, the issue is noise...): "It’s time to stop the never-ending parade of tourist flights from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Chopper tours can’t come at the expense of our neighborhoods’ quality of life."

In every instance of resistance to air tours, noise is the issue. If we can ban helicopters over National Parks, over Cities, over scenic wonders of the world, why should we suffer through this debilitating audio barrage in our own residences?

In the case of Hawai'i there are now a multitude of air tour companies (including small airplanes) all vying for airspace over our houses. A quick google.com search on 'Hawaii tour helicopters' will bring up the top listings, with all of those companies in regular violation of the Federal Aviation Administration laws for air tours in the area. These laws are outlined specifically in the Hawai'i Air tour Common Procedures Manual. Over residential areas (in East Hawai'i on the Big Island, for example), flights are called out at a minimum of 1500' Above Ground Level (AGL). This is often violated, sometimes to the extreme. Further, the FAA has established weather enhanced safety routes for Helicopters over East Hawai'i, due to extensive year-round moisture. Over residential areas the minimum crossing altitude is, as above stated, 1500' AGL; if wheather does not allow that altitude to be safely maintained the FAA implements a "no fly” area. Again, this rule is rarely followed (with the exception of extreme weather).

In addition, if a helicopter should ever crash (yes, it does happen) in a residential area, the potential loss of human life far outweighs the price of respectful flying.

We residents of Hawai'i need to make a stand. Our peaceful lifestyle and well being are at stake. With so much pollution of every type worldwide, everywhere we go, the least we can do as residents is demand that our homes not be invaded by the constant thunder of another tourist helicopter heading somewhere. If these air tour companies really care about the aina and the people who live here, they could take a different approach to sharing aloha with vistors, instead of defaulting to the bottom line - the almighty dollar, at the cost of peace, privacy, and health among the local population.

We Must Demand:

-- Removal of aircraft flight paths from above all sub-division Communities, including (but not limited to) Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates

-- A change in the minimum flight altitude Above Ground Level (AGL) over areas with no communities from 1500' to 6000' AGL

-- Demand that Weather Enhanced crossing violations be strictly enforced immediately over East Hawai'i, and all other Islands

-- Demand that Air Tour Companies that have WAIVERS on the above laws have such waivers revoked immediately, for all Islands

Please Sign & Share This Petition!

FAA CONTACT INFORMATION:
David Ryon:   David.S.Ryon@faa.gov
Charles Cantu:   Charles.Cantu@faa.gov
Ian Gregor:   Ian.Gregor@faa.gov
William J. McGowan:   William.J.McGowan-Jr@faa.gov
Darett I. Kanayama:   Darett.I.Kanayama@faa.gov
Laura Bradshaw:  Laura.Bradshaw@faa.gov
Gino. D. Rezzonico:  Gino.D.Rezzonico@faa.gov

FAA Hilo:   808-935-4658

STATE OF HAWAI'I CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dept Of Transportation Noise Hotline:   1-888-697-7813

Governor Neil Abercrombie: (808) 586-0034
Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz: (808) 586-0255

County of Hawai'i Office of the Mayor: 961-8223

Senator Daniel Akaka Sr
- Washington DC: (202) 224-6361
- Honolulu: (808) 522-8970
- Hilo: (808) 935-1114

Senator Daniel Inouye
- Washngton DC: (202) 224-3934
- Honolulu: (808) 541-2542
- Hilo: (808) 935-0844

Representitive Mazie Hirono
- Washington DC: (202) 225-4906
- Honolulu: (808) 541-1986