Committee hears testimony supporting renaming Ruby Airport for Harold S. Malka, sets bill aside

Senate Transportation on April 10 heard invited testimony in favor of Senate Bill 152, a bill that would rename the Ruby Airport to honor Harold S. Malka. The committee did not take formal final action on the bill and set it aside for consideration at a future meeting.

Senator Mike Cronk presented the bill and described Harold S. Malka’s long career in Alaska aviation and community service. Cronk said Malka and his wife, Florence, "have been influential and inspirational leaders in aviation, in their church, in their community for more than 50 years" and recounted the scope of his operations over decades, including air carrier certificates, medevac flights, and service to dozens of villages.

Chief Charlie Green, testifying as an invited witness, urged the committee to honor Malka while he is living. "He's 94 years old and still going strong ... Harold has broken the cycle of addiction and abuse in all forms," Green said, adding that Malka is a role model for Alaska Native youth in his subregion. Green said Malka "started Harold's Air Service ... and served the interior of Alaska for commercial and passenger service," and that local airlines are crucial because air travel is often the only way to reach remote communities.

Senator Cronk characterized the bill as a straightforward recognition for a long-time aviation leader; no amendments were offered and no formal vote was recorded. With no further questions, the committee "set this bill aside for consideration at our next meeting," the chair said. The committee adjourned shortly after the discussion.

The hearing record includes personal and community-focused testimony; the committee will consider the bill at a subsequent meeting, per the chair's announcement.