Martin, Michael (OST) O o ( - LS \ - S)00 ?{ - Q ;:^ V ^ 

From: Gary Williams [GEWilliams@KakeFirstNation.org] 

Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 12:42 AM 

To: EAS (OST) 

Cc: Martin, Michael (OST) 

Subject: Kake Alaska Essential Air Service comment 

Per your office's May 27 2010 letter to Rebecca Cronkhite from Dennis DeVaney, with "cc" to Kake officials (that was 

received by our office), please find the following comments to meet your requested June 30 deadline for submittal. 

To provide a bit of background about us, please note that the Organized Village of Kake is the local federally recognized 

Indian Tribe for the Kake Alaska area. Our tribal government office serves our local tribal citizens in the community of 

Kake Alaska. With Kake's location on an island without road access to other communities, we are extremely reliant on 

safe and effective air service for basic transportation to/from other cities for health care, business, pleasure, etc. -

essentially any goods or services that require a transportation connection. In addition to passengers and freight, reliable 

delivery of U.S. mail to/from Kake is critical for both business and personal. The reasons for this necessary service to 

Kake are based on essential requirements that will allow the community to function and live in today's society -- with an 

adequate number of daily flights absolutely required to meet those needs. 

We have spoken with both Wings of Alaska and Air Excursions, with each having some pluses over the other on certain 

points. Most importantly however, is the fact that both state their intention to utilize IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) 

capability - as I understand Air Ex has one twin-engine piston IFR platform with deicing, and Wings has two single-engine 

turbine platforms and deicing to be added. It sounds like seat fares will be similarly priced and frequency of flights 

virtually identical. Also, excess baggage rates are similar at 50 cents per pound although we understand Wings' freight 

rate is higher. Additionally, Air Ex allows 70 pounds per passenger whereas Wings' only allows 50 pounds before adding 

excess baggage fees. Shopping while in Juneau is important to household budgets and being able to bring back more 

before being charged an excess fee is a plus in favor of Air Ex. 

In the best of worlds, we would like either carrier to offer one additional flight per day (or perhaps every other day if 

ridership doesn't support every day). This could help avoid lodging costs, especially in the winter when currently only 

flight per day is offered. 

Regarding a preferred choice by the tribal government, I have polled our council and a majority supports Air Excursions. 

After speaking with staff, the majority also supports Air Excursions. Quite frankly, either appears capable and whoever 

gets the bid, we trust that your agency will monitor for full compliance of proposals. 

If any other information is needed, please feel free to contact me. 

Gary E. Williams, 

Executive Director 

Organized Village of Kake 

P.O. Box 316 

Kake, AK 99830-0316 

direct office email: GEWilliams@KakeFirstNation.ora 

office phone: 907-785-6471 x111 fax: 907-785-4902