Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/06/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB104 | |
| SB152 | |
| HB121 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 152 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 121 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 152-HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY
4:11:45 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 152 "An Act renaming Ruby
Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport; and providing for an
effective date."
4:12:11 PM
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska sponsor of SB 152 read the sponsor statement:
[Original punctuation provided.]
"An Act renaming the Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka
Airport; and providing for an effective date." One of
our most important obligations as a State Legislature
is to honor Alaska's community leaders and
extraordinary citizens. SB 152 would recognize the
contributions of Harold Esmailka to the community of
Ruby and Alaska's aviation industry by renaming Ruby
Airport to Harold Esmailka Airport.
Harold Esmailka, of Ruby, is a pioneer in Alaskan
aviation. Over his lengthy career as a pilot, Harold
flew across Alaska and has gotten to know people in
dozens of Alaskan communities. In 1954, after
concluding his service in the U.S. Army, Harold bought
his first airplane - a 65-horsepower Aeronca Chief.
Ten years later he and his wife, Florence, settled in
Ruby and opened the Ruby Trading Company general
store, which provided groceries and goods for the
community.
In 1970, Mr. Esmailka opened Harold's Air Service,
which grew to service 63 Alaskan villages and had 28
aircraft in its fleet. Harold's Air Service provided
medivac services to Alaska's Interior and grew so
large that he moved its base to Galena to accommodate
its commercial needs. In 1982, Harold sold Harold's
Air Service with plans to retire but his heart
called him back to the skies; just four years later he
purchased Tanana Air Service and built the company
into a small trailblazer for Interior aviation.
Harold based Tanana Air Service out of Fairbanks,
where it provided mail, cargo, passenger
transportation services to more than 80 communities.
While Harold operated Tanana Air Service, he provided
free transportation to the brothers, sisters, and
clergy in Fairbanks Catholic Diocese as they traveled
to local villages.
SB 152 renames the Ruby Airport to the Harold Esmailka
Airport, paying homage to an incredible father,
husband, veteran, entrepreneur, and Alaskan aviation
legend.
4:14:34 PM
VICE- BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 152.
4:14:49 PM
CYNTHIA ERIKSON, representing self, Ruby, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 152 shared memories of growing up in Ruby with
her father, a bush pilot who provided vital air service to the
community for over 60 years. She recalled clearing runways,
lighting them with fuel cans, and waiting anxiously for him
during storms. Her father delivered supplies, rescued people in
extreme weather, and even helped bring babies into the world. He
inspired many, including Native pilots, and gave young people
opportunities in aviation. Despite having only an eighth-grade
education and English as a second language, he succeeded through
perseverance and hard work in a field dominated by non-Natives.
She said naming the Ruby airport after him would honor not only
his legacy, but also the many lives he touched and the path he
paved for future generations.
4:18:38 PM
KATIE KANGAS Mayor, City of Ruby, Ruby, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 152 stated that Harold Esmailk spent more than
two-thirds of his life in aviation, growing from flying a two-
seater at age 23 to managing a fleet that served many villages.
He witnessed the Ruby airport's evolution from a simple landing
strip to a modern field and played a vital role in connecting
Yukon River communities. Known for his humility and generosity,
Harold often went out of his way to help whether transporting
injured pets, assisting sick children, or responding to
emergencies. She said over 60 letters praised his impact,
reflecting the deep gratitude of those he served.
4:21:31 PM
CHARLIE GREEN, Chief, Louden Tribe, Galena, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 152 stated that at 94, Harold is celebrated as
a strong Alaska Native role model who overcame addiction and
abuse, inspiring youth and leaders alike. Alongside his wife, he
founded Harold's Air Service, which provided vital passenger and
mail service to interior Alaska communities. He said despite
financial success, Harold continues to live in Ruby, showing his
deep commitment to his people. Honoring Harold by naming the
Ruby Airport after him would recognize both his legacy and the
pride of Alaska Native people.
4:24:10 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 152; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
4:24:54 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 152 in committee.