As I sit here with helicopters buzzing overhead...

[csgray]

Whenever people use the economic argument of Hawaii Island being dependent on tourism to defend the tour helicopters I think about our time living in Orchidland. The apartment over ours and two other units on the land were vacation rentals that were attractive to people who wanted nature, birdsong, peace and quiet. During our time there we heard complaints from ALL the tourists about the loud helicopters. One couple left early because the husband worked in a building in Manhattan with a helicopter landing pad on the roof that was used by a TV station. He said listening to the helicopters all day made him feel like he was still at work.

My point is that the tourists who do come and stay in Puna are looking for a peaceful, rural, back to nature kind of vacation, so for every helicopter tour client who has the experience of a lifetime there is another one who has their ideal vacation ruined. Why should one part of the tourism industry (helicopter tours) be able to do business in such a way that another segment of the industry (rural B&Bs and vacation rentals) cannot give their clients the experience they paid for? These tours are attractive enough that the tour companies could fly in a far more conscious manner and still fill their seats, they might make a little less profit, but they would still get plenty of clients.

I actually really like the dirigible idea, they are quiet and move slowly, so it would be a much better picture taking opportunity for the average vacationer.

Carol