Thank you all for such a wonderful summer. We completed our largest single reservation – 100 tandem skydivers from the Semester at Sea program. What made this reservation interesting was that they couldn’t get off the ship before 10:00am. So that was 100 tandem jumps beginning at 11:00am at the drop zone.
Our request to jump at Hana Airport is under review by the FAA. The local FSDO reached a hasty decision that skydiving was not safe at Hana Airport. Skydive Hawaii’s offer to meet with the FAA was turned down prior to their findings and report to the State. Since other skydiving operators have already been given approval to skydive at Hana Airport, the Honolulu FSDO is now needlessly dragging the process out. U.S. Senator Inouye’s staff will hopefully help the Honolulu FSDO understand that skydiving can continue to be conducted safely under FAR Parts 105 and 91 at Hana Airport.
Polo season finished at the end of September. All the jumpers who participated in the Sunday skydiving demonstrations put on some real shows for the crowd. Skydive Hawaii and skydivers all over the world benefit from this great relationship with Mokuleia Polo. The polo field has been considered an alternate drop zone, and our Sunday demonstration jumps are our way of saying mahalo nui.
Our skydive memorial is looking great. Despite all the groans and moans when the first tree was trimmed, all the trees are full of new growth and look great. Grass is actually growing inside the circle, as there is more sunlight to sustain life. Kytte is hard at work keeping the grass growing and putting in a new stone walkway. Since the State has never lifted a finger to maintain the memorial, improving the looks of this scared area is our simple way to show our respect for our brothers and sisters.
Party in Paradise is on. Lemonhead will organize Caravan loads of fun jumpers December 28 to January 6, 2008. Amy Chemlecki will be showing us all some new ways for fun February 9 to February 18, 2008. In between these two great organizers, training camps will be held each week for free style, swooping and birdman jumps. Each week’s participants are limited to only 40. Limited camping is available off the drop zone, so sign up early.
Since July, the Koi have grown to 10 inches. The water lilies add some additional beautiful splashes of color to the pond. Combined with the sound of the waterfalls, the Koi pond has become an area of peace and tranquility. The Akua and Buddha provide spiritual light, peace and aloha at either end, watch, protect and shield the drop zone. Many mahalos go to Lyle for his continued hard work in maintaining this special place at Skydive Hawaii.
Peace in our lifetime,
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