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From: Yamamoto, Alan (Inouye) fmailto-'Alan Yamamoto@inouve.senate.Qov] 

Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 03:46 PM 

To: Kim, David (OST) . ^ 

Cc: Cummisky, Margaret (Appropriations) <Maraaret Cummisj^v^appro.senate.gov> 

Subject: Essential Air Service at Kalaupapa '-': L:^ v^J 

David: '=o :^ ^ 

On December 23, 2010, US DOT issued an order to prohibit the suspension of service and request:H=^^ 

proposals for EAS (see attachment). Carriers are requested to file their EAS proposals, wit^T^^r wi1^^- n 

subsidy, no later than January 27, 2011. Our office has shared the order with the air transpQrtatiort)5 

community in Hawaii. While we understand that only two air carriers (Pacific Wings and MoRfilele) in 

Hawaii currently meet the requirements to submit a proposal, we are hopeful other Hawaii based carriers 

will obtain the necessary certification and submit a proposal. Please advise whether any additional 

Hawaii air carriers have the certification to submit a proposal. 

As you may know, Pacific Wings is the incumbent carrier. It is our understanding in 2006, when US DOT 

issued an order requesting proposals to provide EAS at Hana, Kalaupapa and Kamuela, both Pacific 

Wings and Mokulete responded. Pacific Wings was the incumbent carrier and they operated previously 

with the EAS subsidy but in their 2006 proposal, they proposed to operate without further EAS subsidies. 

This action by Pacific Wings allowed them to retain the air routes by nullifying the other applicant. 

Today, Hawaii and the Kalaupapa community have been adversely affected by Pacific Wings. Airfares 

have increased dramatically. In October 2010, when Senator Inouye visited Kalaupapa it was reported 

that the roundtrip to Honolulu on Pacific Wings cost $488 and roundtrip to Maui cost a little over $700. 

Kalaupapa residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the current air carrier. The Senator also heard 

that Pacific Wings removed the ramp that residents, i.e. patients, used to access the aircraft. The 

patients range in age from 69 to 88 years, with the average age being 78. The health status of the 

patients are constantly changing. All of the remaining 19 patients have one or more medical conditions 

from their long-term Hansen's disease. Many have lost fingers or toes through re-absorption due to the 

disease. Some have facial disfigurements as well as active foot ulcers similar to diabetics. The group, as 

a whole, is dealing with the same chronic diseases that any geriatric population is afflicted with such as 

cancers, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc. Senator Inouye continues to be very concerned about 

the community's air service and wants to ensure Kalaupapa receives air service that meets the needs of 

the community. 

As the process continues, we expect US DOT to perform due diligence and consider all factors when 

making their decision, and based on Pacific Wings past experience, we would want to know what 

recourse is available if the incumbent air carrier chooses to submit an EAS proposal without subsidy just 

to keep the air routes. Also, if only the incumbent air carrier submits an EAS proposal, with or without 

subsidy, will they retain the air routes or will US DOT request public comments on the proposal and/or 

extend the time to accept additional proposals. 

We are also aware that a December 18 email inquiry from this office on the process and timeline for 

consideration of the request from Pacific Wings was shared with Pacific Wings. While we do not object if 

inquiries from our office are subject to public disclosure, it must be done fairly and not only shared with 

one air carrier. 

Alan T. Yamamoto 

Senior Legislative Assistant 

Office of Senator Daniel K. Inouye 

300 Ala Moana Boulevand Room 7-212, Honolulu, H( 96850 

80e.541.2542 main | 808.541.2021 direct | 808.541.2549 fax 

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