Bob Englebrecht of Northstar Trekking says weather permitting, they are trying to stay at least 1,500 feet above any residential areas and as high as 2,000 to 2,500 feet if conditions allow. During the public hearing on the proposal, the eight people testifying were unanimous in their opinion that the voluntary guidelines don't go far enough. Kim Metcalfe said it's another season and nothing new has happened. She says the operators are doing business in residential areas and the noise levels would not be allowed by any other business. The Assembly voted to approve and include the flightseeing guidelines in the overall voluntary compliance agreement.
Tourist season begins The first big cruise ship of the season arrived in Juneau today.
John Mazor of the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau says they're expecting 680,000 passengers, up 40,000 from last year. The last day of the cruise ship season in September 25th. A landing gear door skid plate had been damaged and should have been replaced. The airline has 30 days to respond to the agency. In addition to hate crimes legislation, Knowles proposed the commission in the wake of January's paintball attacks on Alaska Natives in Anchorage.