HI HR130

Urges U.S. Congress to enact the Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2019 (H.R. 4547) to regulate commercial air tours over Hawaii through altitude minimums, noise restrictions, pilot workload limits, and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast equipment requirements.

Documents 23 deaths in four tour helicopter and small aircraft crashes in Hawaii within twelve months (April 2019 through February 2020) and notes that Hawaii operations accounted for nine of fifty-four nationwide accidents investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board over five years.

Directs the Federal Aviation Administration to implement outstanding safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board, fully implement the National Park Air Tour Management Act of 2000 for Hawaii parks, and immediately investigate whistleblower claims against the Honolulu Flight Standards District Office.

Calls on the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to release the draft Hawaii Air Tour Common Procedures Manual for public review and to pursue existing remedies under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.

Urges the Hawaii Air Noise and Safety Task Force to open its deliberations to public comment and participation, and directs certified copies be sent to federal and state officials, national park service, and county and neighborhood boards.