Hawaii lawmakers discuss aircraft liability insurance amid public testimony support

Hawaii's legislative committee convened on March 14, 2024, to discuss critical measures impacting aviation safety and insurance requirements. A significant focus was on Senate Bill 2747, which aims to enhance aircraft liability insurance coverage for operators in the state.

During the hearing, representatives from various organizations expressed their support for the bill. Melissa Pavlicek, speaking on behalf of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, emphasized the importance of higher insurance levels as a means to promote safety across the industry. She noted that while insurance typically comes into play after an incident, increasing coverage requirements could incentivize operators to adopt more rigorous safety measures. Currently, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters maintains an insurance level of $50 million per occurrence, advocating for a minimum requirement of $10 million statewide.

The discussion also highlighted the disparity in insurance requirements compared to other airports in the U.S. For instance, McCarran Airport in Las Vegas mandates a minimum of $20 million, significantly higher than Hawaii's current standards. This raises concerns about the adequacy of Hawaii's regulations in ensuring public safety.

While the bill received strong support, there was also opposition, notably from Christopher Grama of Jack Carter Helicopters, indicating a divided perspective on the proposed changes. The committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of the bill, including its potential effects on other airports in Hawaii and the need for a flexible insurance requirement that could adjust over time.

As the committee moves forward, the outcome of this legislation could reshape the landscape of aviation safety in Hawaii, ensuring that operators are better equipped to handle incidents and protect the public. The next steps will involve further deliberations and potential adjustments to the bill's language to address concerns raised during the hearing.