HILO, Hawaii — A bill that would have required the state Department of Health to conduct a study on the impact of aviation noise on Hawaii residents passed the Senate, but didn’t get a reading in the House Finance Committee.
HILO, Hawaii — A bill that would have required the state Department of Health to conduct a study on the impact of aviation noise on Hawaii residents passed the Senate, but didn’t get a reading in the House Finance Committee.
State Sen. Russell Ruderman introduced the bill in response to Puna residents’ calls for regulation of helicopter tours headed to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, West Hawaii Today reported Sunday.
The Senate and House did, however, pass a resolution requesting the Federal Aviation Administration to complete air tour management plans for national parks in Hawaii. The resolution also asks tour companies to limit flights to daylight hours.
The Senate Committee on Government Operations passed a House concurrent resolution. The resolution requires approval in the House and Senate. It will be sent to the Senate floor for a vote.
The Democrat Ruderman said he is disappointed that the Legislature settled for resolutions instead of passing the bill. He said he might introduce another measure next year.
“I won’t be giving up on the issue,” he said. “It’s a huge issue for my district.”
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Information from: West Hawaii Today, http://www.westhawaiitoday.com
