Air tourism industry newbies blamed for problems

A group of residents recently banded together to call for a boycott of the air tourism industry until the companies respect “fly neighborly agreements.”

Multi-party talks this spring failed to resolve the decades-old issue, forcing the need to take stronger action, coalition members said.

“There is no reason why air tourism needs to create undue noise and stress over residential neighborhoods and scenic environmental areas,” Ha‘ena resident Johnny Wichman said. “Air tours could take routes that don’t impact residents and visitors, but the problem is that many air tour operators just don’t seem to care.”

But long-time aerial tour company owners on Kaua‘i say they do care, they have not heard complaints directly from residents and suspect the problem stems from a few bad apples bringing the entire industry down.

The group of community members and organizations, called STOP DAT!, formed Wednesday. Its mission is to Stop Disrespectful Air Tourism.

Wainiha resident Barbara Robeson said there has been a long history of air tour noise problems.

“In the late 1980s, and again in the late 1990s, voluntary ‘fly neighborly’ programs were instituted to keep helicopters from flying over populated areas,” she said. “But the tour industry didn’t keep its word either time. The helicopters soon resumed their flights over residential areas. And now the problem has become far worse, as noisy biplanes, fixed wing airplane tours and ultralight planes fly over our towns and beaches.”

County Office of Economic Development Director Beth Tokioka said several months ago she attended a Ka Leo o Kaua‘i community outreach meeting in Hanalei where a number of residents relayed their frustration with the air tourism industry.

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(Source: Nathan Eagle, Kauai Garden Island News)