Question: The Honolulu Fire Department is conducting practice drills for rappelling at Sandy Beach. They’re flying helicopters at such low altitudes around people using the beach, including tourists. They do it frequently, taking over the far side of that beach. It doesn’t seem right to endanger people with men hanging off the helicopter, especially after the recent helicopter crash in town. People had to leave the beach in numbers. With all due respect for the need for them to train, shouldn’t they be doing it on grounds where there’s a proper helicopter pad and landing facilities should something arise?

Answer: The Honolulu Fire Department actually trains at Sandy Beach Park because of its location, finding it an “ideal” training ground because it is “a remote park, not close to residential areas and large enough to safely accommodate the training activity without an unreasonable impact to the public,” said HFD spokes­man Capt. Terry Seelig.

The area used for training is away from the park’s most active areas and allows the helicopter to fly over the rocky coastline and parts of the ocean where surfers and swimmers are not usually found, he said.

He said training, which takes place two or three times a month, does not take place near the crowded Sandy Beach area and shoreline where many people surf. The sessions last typically from one to two hours between 9 a.m. and noon.

A permit from the city Department of Parks and Recreation is obtained for each training session, Seelig said. (A permit obviously is not needed if a helicopter lands during an emergency.)

He also said that HFD personnel will advise the public on where to relocate if they are in the vicinity of the permitted training area, as well as how long the session will last.

Personnel involved in the drills will “always create a drill safety plan that addresses the training’s risks and dangers, including the proximity of air operations to other park activities,” he said.

Seelig also called the training at Sandy Beach Park “essential” for preparing personnel to respond to emergencies in that area and developing their skills and abilities for helicopter operations.

He explained that the department often uses its helicopter in mountain and ocean searches and rescues, using the closest, safest landing zone for the quickest response.

While personnel involved with training at any public park are willing to explain what’s happening and listen to concerns, they have to focus on the drills, Seelig said. So, if anyone wants more information, he said to call him at 723-7117.

Question: Where can I find the email address for our politicians? Specifically, for state Sen. Laura Thielen and Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

Answer: You can find the email addresses of state Senate and House members at the state legislative website: capitol.hawaii.gov/members/legislators.aspx?chamber.

You can find the email address for Caldwell at www1.honolulu.gov/mayor and for City Council members at www1.honolulu.gov/council/ccl.htm.

MAHALO

To employees of the city’s Handi-Van. My husband has been using the Handi-Van to get to and return from the dialysis center for over a year. The reservationists are the most polite and patient women I’ve ever had the privilege to speak to.

They have always been so pleasant in taking information for the transport. Keep up your good work, and mahalo for your pleasantness and aloha spirit! Mahalo also to the van drivers. I do thank them every time they bring my husband home. — Grateful

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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.