Hirono, Schatz Want to Exempt Hawaii and Alaska from Air Fee Hike

Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz along with Mark Begich (D-Alaska) have introduced an amendment that would exempt Hawaii and Alaska from a proposed increase in air travel fees included in the budget deal.

The exemption, according to Schatz’s office, “would protect interisland flights from increased air travel fees, which would more than double from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill the Senate will vote on this week.”

Hirono said in a statement, “Raising air travel fees ignores the disparate economic impact that increased fees and taxes on air transportation would have on non-contiguous states. In Hawaii, residents rely on air travel to receive healthcare, connect with family and friends, and conduct business.”

Read the entire piece here: http://hawaii.news.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/70405588299/hirono-schatz-want-to-exempt-hawaii-and-alaska-from