STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1347

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 989

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 989 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit trespass with an unmanned aircraft system.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Tower AOAO and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that usage of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, has become increasingly popular across the State. Drones have approached private property, hovering nearby at various times throughout the day. However, there is presently a lack of regulation regarding drone usage and enforcement in private areas. Your Committee further finds this measure addresses the concerns of residents across the State, while also establishing enforcement measures to promote responsible drone usage.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that the offense is committed when a person intentionally causes an unmanned aircraft system to cross the property line of another, rather than enter the property;

(2) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider whether the offense of trespassing with an unmanned aircraft system should be broadened to include crossing the property line of another specifically to take photos of or spy on another person. Which may not necessarily fall within the scope of coercion, intimidation, or harassment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 989, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 989, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair