HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A helicopter tour company is facing opposition over its request to fly at lower altitudes across the islands, but the backlash to the potential rule-change may be tied to confusion over clouds and poor communication.
More than 1,000 people commented on Blue Hawaiian Helicopters’ petition for an exception to the 1,500-foot minimum altitude in certain areas, with several raising concerns over noise and safety.
“I feel like people have a right to be in their homes and not be disturbed, especially if it’s for a commercial operation,” Maui resident Kaapuni Aiwohi argued.
However, the company reported the request is meant help pilots stay away from residential areas.
In a 20-page petition to the Federal Aviation Administration, Blue Hawaiian explained if its pilo