Aviators free to fly aircraft over Honolulu at any time

Question: I live in Honolulu and notice there are more light planes flying over the city — lower, louder, earlier and more frequently. Is there any way to limit the number of light planes flying over the core of the city? In light of all the accidents with little planes recently, I find it very disturbing in general and to our peace of mind.

Answer: Yours is a frequent complaint not only about small planes buzzing residential areas, but helicopters as well.

But as we were told by a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman back in 2004, "As long as a plane is not doing any kind of aerobatic or stunt flying, and as long as it flies at least 1,000 feet above the tallest building, a plane can indeed fly over residential neighborhoods, at any time of the day or night."

Over noncongested or rural areas, planes can fly as low as 500 feet above the ground, while helicopters can fly even lower, provided they don’t create a hazard to people or property.

Also, no matter how noisy the plane or helicopter, the FAA does not regulate aircraft noise.

Ian Gregor, spokesman for the FAA’s Pacific Division, said all that continues to hold true today, although he added, "The FAA encourages pilots to fly courteously, and we do sometimes work with community groups and pilots to address any concerns that both groups might have."

Regarding how low aircraft can fly: Aircraft cannot fly lower than 1,000 feet above ground or 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot radius of the aircraft.

So, in downtown Honolulu that would be at least 1,000 feet above the tallest building or, in a suburban neighborhood, 1,000 feet above the tallest home.

See is.gd/F9l6yE.

Regarding helicopters: Gregor previously explained that helicopters are not restricted to the 1,000-foot altitude over populated areas, but "must be flown so that they don’t pose a hazard to people or property on the ground. This basically means that helicopter pilots have to fly in a manner that allows them to safely set down the helicopter if it loses all engine power."

See is.gd/XyBpcP for more information.

If you see an aircraft flying dangerously or otherwise in violation of FAA regulations, you’re advised to call the state Department of Transportation’s hotline, 888-697-7813. The complaint will be forwarded to the FAA.

Question: I have read that there is an organization or state department to which we can report possible tsunami debris. Could you please share that with me?

Answer: Contact the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Call 587-0400 or email dlnr.marine.debris@hawaii.gov, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at disasterdebris@noaa.gov.

DLNR will determine whether an investigation is necessary, based on the information provided.

The general advice: If you don’t know what it is and it looks hazardous, don’t touch it. However, it is "highly unlikely" that any tsunami debris that reaches Hawaii would have harmful levels of radiation, according to radiation experts.

Collect as much information as you can safely, including date and time sighted; location; detailed description of the object and if any organisms are growing on it; photo; and contact information.

See dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/JTMD-Guideline3.pdf.

AUWE

To the man who blocked an elderly couple parked in a handicap stall at the Aina Haina Library around noon one day last month. Our engine was on, and we were waiting to safely reverse out when you stopped in back of us, got out of your car and went into the library to return your book. I had removed the parking placard because it comes with instructions to remove it when driving. When you came out, you walked past us without a word of apology. If you were so inconsiderate because you thought we did not have a placard, next time please do not jump to conclusions so quickly. — Disabled Senior Citizen

Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.