Posted on: Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Trimming of trees to protect skydivers

Associated Press

Tall trees blamed for causing unsafe landing conditions for skydivers at Dillingham Airfield on O'ahu's North Shore will be getting a trim.

"We have an open contract for trees on the (Farrington) highway side at least, and we will have a tree trimmer go out there sometime within the next 90 days," state Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa said.

Over the years, a number of hard landings have occurred at the airport's drop zone, with the trees getting the blame. Skydivers say the trees block the steady stream of air, causing air pockets and downdrafts that can send them crashing hard to the ground.

One of the latest accident victims was Jacki Doppelmayer, who hasn't been skydiving since she broke her leg at the airfield three months ago.

"We've all known for a long time that it would help to get rid of the trees or at least get rid of the brush," Doppelmayer said Sunday.

Nearby residents have opposed cutting down the trees altogether because they act as a noise barrier at the airfield.

The state has an agreement with private landowners across the highway to keep their trees no taller than 30 feet.