Bill Text: HI HB1914 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Water Rescues.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-5)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-27 - Referred to TRN, CPC, JUD, referral sheet 2 [HB1914 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HB1914-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1914 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to WATER rescues.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that unmanned aerial vehicles, more commonly known as drones, can be effectively deployed to save lives. Drone technology has now advanced to the point where specialized drones, such as the Pars Aerial Rescue Robot, have the ability to drop life preservers to swimmers in distress. These drones are now being mass produced, and are undergoing testing in places like Chile and Florida.
The legislature further finds that eight million visitors come to Hawaii each year, and as a result, county lifeguards must work tirelessly to monitor ocean hazards and rescue swimmers who need help, oftentimes jeopardizing their own safety in the process. Rescue drones are by no means replacements for human lifeguards, but could be invaluable in helping lifeguards rescue swimmers in the ocean or other marine environments. Giving counties the option of utilizing drones to conduct water rescues would greatly enhance the overall ability of lifeguards to conduct water rescues safely, while minimizing hazards to rescue personnel. Moreover, drones could be useful in areas not monitored by lifeguards; in such situations, drones could assist in a rescue while human help is on the way.
The legislature sadly notes that on January 16, 2016, twelve Marines could not be found after two helicopters crashed off of the island of Oahu. After five days of search and rescue operations, the Marine Corps changed the status of those Marines from missing to deceased. These service members all earned various decorations and were members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Had such authorization to use ocean rescue drones been in place, perhaps these service members would have been timely found.
The purpose of this Act is to make Hawaii a safer place to live and visit by authorizing the counties to utilize drones in water rescue operations, provided that all necessary clearances have been obtained from the federal government.
SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§46- Unmanned aerial vehicles; water rescues. The counties shall have the authority to purchase and utilize unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, to drop life preservers or other personal flotation devices to swimmers in distress; provided that all necessary clearances, authorizations, or waivers have been obtained from the federal government."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Water Rescues.
Description:
Authorizes the counties to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles or drones in water rescue operations, provided that all necessary clearances have been obtained from the federal government.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
