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HRS §263-7

State law applies to crimes and accidents in the air

If a crime, injury, or other wrong happens in the air over Hawaii, Hawaii's laws decide what it means and what happens. This applies to actions by or against pilots, passengers, and aircraft owners. The law says Hawaii's rules govern these situations.

The statute, as written — Jurisdiction over crimes and torts

All crimes, torts, and other wrongs committed by or against an aeronaut or passenger while in flight over the State shall be governed by the laws of the State. The question whether damage occasioned by or to an aircraft while in flight over the State constitutes a tort, crime, or other wrong by or against the owner of the aircraft, shall be determined by the laws of the State.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.