Aloha,
Pursuant to the public records law, I would like to request the following records in electronic format sent to my email address.
Request for Records — Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport Master Plan Update (State Project No. AH2011-07) — Aviation Demand Forecasting and Supporting Documentation
Pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (Modified), HRS Chapter 92F, I hereby request access to and copies of the following government records related to the Kona International Airport at Keahole (PHKO/KOA) Master Plan Update, State Project No. AH2011-07, currently underway by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Airports Division.
Requested Records:
All aviation demand forecasting studies, reports, analyses, or working documents prepared in connection with the KOA Master Plan Update, including but not limited to:
Aviation activity forecasts (passenger enplanements, aircraft operations, cargo volumes)
Baseline data and historical operations data used to develop projections
Short-term (5-year), medium-term (10-year), and long-term (20-year) demand scenarios
Any sensitivity analyses or alternative forecast scenarios
All contracts, scopes of work, and task orders issued to consultants or contractors engaged to perform forecasting, planning, or environmental analysis in support of the KOA Master Plan Update.
All methodologies, models, or modeling software documentation used to generate aviation demand forecasts, including any FAA Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) data, Airports Council International (ACI) models, or proprietary forecasting tools employed.
All correspondence, memoranda, emails, or meeting minutes between HDOT Airports Division staff, consultants, and/or FAA personnel related to the development, review, or approval of aviation demand forecasts for this project.
All interim or draft reports, briefing materials, slide presentations, or summaries of forecasting findings that have been shared with or presented to state officials, elected representatives, FAA personnel, community stakeholders, or the public.
Any Noise Exposure Map (NEM) updates, noise compatibility assessments, or environmental review documents prepared or commissioned in connection with the Master Plan Update that reference projected aircraft operations levels.
All public comment records, community input summaries, or agency responses related to the Master Plan Update process to date.
Format and Delivery: I request that responsive records be provided in electronic format (PDF or native file format) via email to REDACTED. If any records are voluminous, I am willing to discuss phased production.
Fee Waiver Request: Pursuant to HRS §92F-19, I request a waiver of search, review, and segregation fees on the grounds that disclosure of these records is in the public interest. The requested records pertain to a government planning process with direct and material impact on the quality of life, health, and welfare of North Kona residents. North Kona Noise ACTION is a community advocacy organization with no commercial interest in this request. The records will be used to inform and educate the public about planned airport expansion and its projected noise, environmental, and community impacts, and will be shared freely with the public.
Basis for Public Interest: The KOA Master Plan Update will shape airport operations affecting thousands of North Kona residents for the next 20 years. The aviation demand forecasts underlying this plan are foundational documents that directly determine the scale of projected expansion — including runway capacity, terminal growth, and increased aircraft operations — yet these records have not been made publicly available despite community requests. Transparent access to this information is essential for meaningful public participation in the planning process.
Acknowledgment of UIPA Timeline: I understand the agency must respond within ten (10) business days of receipt of this request. If a Notice of extension is required, please advise at the earliest opportunity.
If any portion of this request is denied, please provide a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption(s) relied upon, as required by HRS §92F-15.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Respectfully,
North Kona Noise ACTION
IF SEEKING PUBLIC INTEREST WAIVER, PROVIDE PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT BELOW THIS LINE
Fee Waiver Request: Pursuant to HRS §92F-19, I request a waiver of search, review, and segregation fees on the grounds that disclosure of these records is in the public interest. The requested records pertain to a government planning process with direct and material impact on the quality of life, health, and welfare of North Kona residents. North Kona Noise ACTION is a community advocacy organization with no commercial interest in this request. The records will be used to inform and educate the public about planned airport expansion and its projected noise, environmental, and community impacts, and will be shared freely with the public.
Mahalo,
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