‘Horrible noise’
Thank you, Jean Graham of Pahoa, for your letter regarding the noise and disrespect of helicopter traffic (Your Views, Tribune Herald, June 9).
I live and work north of Hilo along the Hamakua Coast. We also experience the same devastatingly horrible noise and crisscrossing helicopter traffic — beginning just after 8 a.m. and continuing throughout the day until after 6 p.m.
It is absolute misery for those of us under these machines.
I run a tea business, part of which is ag tourism. My customers are appalled at the disrespect of the helicopter companies. On a tour, I have to stop talking as we are buzzed or feeling like we are under attack from helicopters.
Copters come in groups. I’ve seen six copters in the sky at the same time — two coming toward us, two circling north of Onomea Bay and two going back for the dropoff. I know all the tourists in the copters are given ear protection, yet those of us on the ground have nothing unless we wear earplugs all day.
Helicopters are not designed for joyrides. They are designed to get into places where other flying machines cannot. They can hover and help rescue someone in need. Please don’t use helicopters for joyriding.
Tourists, if you’d like to experience the beauty and grandeur of Hawaii, stay on the ground. Drive along the coast, stand in front of a waterfall and experience the mist of the spray, and listen as the water tumbles into the stream. Walk along trails and see flowers and exotic plants that you might have never seen before; listen to the chirping birds.
Please don’t minimize your Hawaii experience with a joyride experience that crushes the spirit of those who live and work here and zips you past something you will never see again. Helicopter companies, please don’t destroy the wonderful experience of Hawaii on the ground for those visiting this magical place.
Rob Nunally
Papaikou
We have the money
Mayor Harry Kim said because of the Kilauea eruption, “needs are greater than we’ve ever seen.”
The U.S. military budget is now $686 billion annually. Just $100 million, or 0.14 percent of it (less than one-quarter of 1 percent) would go a long way in helping people displaced from their homes and farms.
What are we defending?
Jim Albertini
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action,
Kurtistown
