06-17-2018, 06:49 AM
Interesting that we are not getting much discussion on this topic. I reposted my lava viewing site thread and made a (mild) comment about a lot of helicopter flights, but no one bit. (The helicopter thread on Punatalk 6 months ago had sustained comment.)
Some free-flow thoughts:
1. Some commercial helicopter pilots have been an asset in this crises by providing news and great footage of the status of the eruption. We look for their footage daily.
2. The ban on ground access limits viewing to helicopters and boats. According to a recent letter to the T-H and two source I spoke to (I do not live near helicopter fight paths), there has been a steady increase in helicopter flights. There are also assertions of greater violation of flight rules (not an expert in that topic either).
3. The eruption has settled into a somewhat static pattern--a lava river--and tourists realize Hawaii Island is safe to visit (remember the hyperbole about Halemaumau throwing out refrigerator sized rocks?)
Many more tourists seem to be taking helicopter tours. Are the companies bringing over additional helicopters and pilots from Maui and Oahu to handle this extra business? Tours come from both Hilo and Kona.
(I am speculating here. Something for an enterprising journalist to look into? Start with trend of total flights a day past 2 months. If this is indeed the case, it is a significant story.)
4. Opinion: The continued ban on ground viewing is unfortunate. The opposition of some community critics should not derail this option.
Here is a recent quip: Maybe we could start doing tours to the shelters and the FEMA center too - just so tourists could have a look.
So having tourists come by bus is an offense to the unfortunate folks in evacuation locations and their remaining neighbors? But bringing in people by air is just fine? Really?
Some free-flow thoughts:
1. Some commercial helicopter pilots have been an asset in this crises by providing news and great footage of the status of the eruption. We look for their footage daily.
2. The ban on ground access limits viewing to helicopters and boats. According to a recent letter to the T-H and two source I spoke to (I do not live near helicopter fight paths), there has been a steady increase in helicopter flights. There are also assertions of greater violation of flight rules (not an expert in that topic either).
3. The eruption has settled into a somewhat static pattern--a lava river--and tourists realize Hawaii Island is safe to visit (remember the hyperbole about Halemaumau throwing out refrigerator sized rocks?)
Many more tourists seem to be taking helicopter tours. Are the companies bringing over additional helicopters and pilots from Maui and Oahu to handle this extra business? Tours come from both Hilo and Kona.
(I am speculating here. Something for an enterprising journalist to look into? Start with trend of total flights a day past 2 months. If this is indeed the case, it is a significant story.)
4. Opinion: The continued ban on ground viewing is unfortunate. The opposition of some community critics should not derail this option.
Here is a recent quip: Maybe we could start doing tours to the shelters and the FEMA center too - just so tourists could have a look.
So having tourists come by bus is an offense to the unfortunate folks in evacuation locations and their remaining neighbors? But bringing in people by air is just fine? Really?