The future of a seaplane tour company, which has applied to work out of Kirkland’s Carillon Point, could potentially be decided in a special meeting with the Hearing Examiner on Monday, Jan. 30 at city hall.

Seaplane Scenics, which stepped into the public eye after many residents near Carillon Point spoke up in opposition over the summer, would operate aerial tours above Lake Washington during daylight hours. Takeoffs, landings and taxiing would take place on the lake in front of Carillon Point, home to the Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa.

The issue drew hundreds of responses to the city during the public comment period and was a popular topic in the Reporter’s opinion section.

In November, the state issued a Determination of Non-significance, which essentially clears Seaplane Scenics of environmental concerns. A group of local citizens and homeowners are appealing the issuance to the Hearing Examiner, who should rule on the appeal on Jan. 30.

After the appeal hearing, the Hearing Examiner will decide whether or not to grant Seaplane Scenics a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit, which would allow the company to operate at Carillon Point. The company had been operating for over a year without obtaining a permit before Seaplane Scenics agreed to halt flights in August while the permit process played out.