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HRS §711-1123

Drone misuse in the third degree

This law makes it a serious crime to misuse a drone in certain ways, like hiding its ID, blocking police or fire work, hurting someone, damaging property, flying drunk, flying without a valid license, or helping commit a felony. It is a class C felony. Police, fire, and government workers are exempt when doing their jobs.

everyone

The statute, as written — Misuse of uncrewed aircraft in the third degree

(1) A person commits the offense of misuse of uncrewed aircraft in the third degree if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: (a) Removes, obliterates, alters, or tampers with the identification or registration number of an uncrewed aircraft; (b) Operates an uncrewed aircraft and thereby obstructs, impairs, or hinders the performance of a police officer, deputy sheriff, or fire department personnel acting under color of their official authority; (c) Operates an uncrewed aircraft and thereby causes bodily injury to another person; (d) Operates an uncrewed aircraft and thereby damages the property of another, without the other's consent, in an amount exceeding $750; (e) Operates an uncrewed aircraft while under the influence of an intoxicant; (f) Operates an uncrewed aircraft after the person's license, certificate, or privilege to operate an uncrewed aircraft has been revoked, suspended, or otherwise restricted by the issuing governmental authority; or (g) Uses an uncrewed aircraft in furtherance of the commission of a felony. (2) Misuse of uncrewed aircraft in the third degree is a class C felony. (3) This section shall not apply to any police officer, deputy sheriff, adult corrections officer, correctional worker, or fire department personnel acting within the course and scope of their duties, or to any other person acting under the authority of, or pursuant to a contract with, the United States or a state or county government, or any department or agency of the United States or a state or county government. (4) For purposes of this subsection: "Bodily injury" has the same meaning as in section 707-700. "Intoxicant" has the same meaning as in section 291E-1. "Under the influence" has the same meaning as in section 291E-1; provided that the term "uncrewed aircraft" shall be substituted for the term "vehicle" as used therein.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§291E-1 Definitions for Hawaii's drunk driving and boating laws

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