11-30-2010, 09:18 PM
Having experienced all of the helicopter types mentioned above, I am least upset about the tour helicopters (every single one of which must fly directly over my house). They fly fairly high, they don't hover or circle, and they do represent tourist dollars flowing back into the local economy. And as for spending their money in the air not on the ground, I don't think I buy that argument. A married couple on a one-day cruise ship stop in Hilo spends about $400 for their helicopter tour. Would they spend that much on the ground on the same day? And those who are staying on the island longer still need to eat, pay hotel bills, etc, so they're still dropping lots of cash in local pockets in addition to their helicopter tour. And that $400 helicopter fare pays the salaries of Hilo-based workers, so much of the money stays local in any event. Helicopter tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some folks, and if its one of the highlights of their trip to the Island, I can live with that. Besides, it keeps traffic off the congested road to Puna.
On the other hand, it would be nice if the helicopter tours would vary their flight paths a bit so that they don't fly over the same houses all the time!
On the other hand, it would be nice if the helicopter tours would vary their flight paths a bit so that they don't fly over the same houses all the time!