DUNBAR
You are removing a very vital item that protects you in the event if your sink clogs.
That air gap will keep wastewater from entering the dishwasher.
They are code in my state where I live and provide a health standard more than anything.
Tieing the two pipes together is going to provide a cross-connection in the event if the sink clogs.
Looping this pipe high inside of cabinet will provide some security…….but not much.
