Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1869 HD1 SD2 (ACT 161).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii, establishes new criminal penalties for the misuse of uncrewed aircraft, commonly known as drones. It directly affects individuals who operate or possess drones by defining specific illegal actions and assigning them felony or misdemeanor charges. The law prohibits using drones to carry weapons, disrupt manned flights, smuggle contraband into prisons, or cause serious bodily injury, while also banning the disabling of required identification or safety lights. Certain exemptions exist for law enforcement and government personnel acting within the scope of their official duties.