Bill Text: HI SB632 | 2017 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 632 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-02-08 - The committee on TRE deferred the measure. [SB632 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2017-SB632-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	632
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to unmanned aerial systems.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the personal use of unmanned aerial systems, referred to as "UAS" or "drones", has increased dramatically in the State. Drones are now routinely observed flying over public beaches and parks and can interfere with individuals' use of those beaches and parks or pose a safety risk to the individuals beneath.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit certain activity by drones at public parks and beaches.

SECTION 2. Chapter 261, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§261- Unmanned aerial systems; public property. (a) No person shall launch, land, or recover an unmanned aerial system at a public park or beach without prior written consent from the department.

(b) No person shall operate an unmanned aerial system over a public park or beach at an altitude that:

(1) Interferes with the use of the park or beach;

(2) Interferes with space above the park or beach; or

(3) Is dangerous to the persons beneath the unmanned aerial system.

"Unmanned aerial system" means a powered aerial vehicle that:

(1) Does not carry a human operator;

(2) Uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift;

(3) Can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely; and

(4) Can be expendable or recoverable.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, this section shall not apply to the use, navigation, piloting, or operation of an unmanned aerial system by a State or county law enforcement agency."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Unmanned Aerial Systems; Public Parks; Public Beaches

Description:

Prohibits the launching, landing, or recovering of an unmanned aerial system at a public park or beach without the prior consent of DOT. Prohibits the operation of an unmanned aerial system over any public park or beach at an altitude that interferes with the use of the land or water, or the space above the land or water, or is dangerous to others. Defines "unmanned "aerial system".

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.