Rep. Gabbard Wants Hawaii Exemption for Increased Air Travel Fees

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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has asked House Budget Committee leaders, Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) a Hawaii exemption for increased air travel fees.

Gabbard is referring in particular to the Aviation Passenger Security Fee, which her office says  fee was instituted after Sept. 11, 2001, and has now “more than doubled from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill announced yesterday.”

Gabbard wrote a letter to Ryan and Van Hollen highlighting “the unique role of air travel throughout Hawaii and the negative impact of a possible air travel fee increase.”

“While I recognize the need to continue supporting TSA’s important mission in securing our air transportation system, I am hopeful that the [budget] conferees will balance this need against the minimal revenue gained and the critical need for air transportation in Hawaii,” Gabbard wrote. 

Here’s  video of the congresswoman’s speech on the House floor.

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Photo: Honolulu’s commuter terminal. (Civil Beat)

—Chad Blair

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