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.