Comment on Motion

I am a HAM radio user (K1VAN) and ocean sailor, and I use digital modes for long range communication during emergencies and when I am at sea.  

During the recent lava flow near my home in Pahoa Hawaii in the summer of this year (2018), a Winmor link was my only backup means of communicating.  Our area was without electricity, phone or internet, including without cell phone coverage for about 24 hours.  At times like these, HF email and chat made possible by Ham Radio is a vital backup.  A few years ago, Hurricane Iselle recently (2014) knocked out phone and power for two weeks in our area.  It's only a matter of time before another one hits us.  

I also use HF email during ocean passages (mainly West Coast to Hawaii and back, but starting next year to include the South Pacific).  

In both cases, providing the best possible communication options is important to my safety and those around me.  The proposal supported by the ARSFI is a good one and deserves our support.

The argument that these radio frequency resources can be used for nefarious purposes is absurd. 

Van L Eden
K1VAN