SB 2194 Summary

• Adds a new part to Chapter 711 (Hawaii Revised Statutes) establishing three felony offenses for misuse of uncrewed aircraft: first degree (Class A felony), second degree (Class B felony), and third degree (Class C felony).

• First degree misuse includes equipping aircraft with firearms or explosives, discharging weapons using aircraft, interfering with crewed aircraft operations, transporting contraband into prisons, using aircraft in furtherance of felonies, and causing serious bodily injury.

• Second degree misuse includes disabling identification or anti-collision lighting, causing substantial bodily injury, and damaging property exceeding $20,000; convictions ineligible for deferred pleas under chapter 853.

• Third degree misuse includes tampering with aircraft identification, obstructing law enforcement, causing bodily injury, damaging property exceeding $750, operating under the influence of intoxicants, and operating with a revoked or suspended license; convictions ineligible for deferred pleas.

• Exempts police officers, sheriffs, corrections officers, fire department personnel, and authorized government contractors acting within their official duties from these offense provisions.