Hawaii Drone Laws (Everything You Need To Know in 2023)

Drones are becoming more widely used and more affordable for both commercial and leisure purposes. But owning a drone and taking off are not the same thing. To ensure safety and legality, you must abide by certain laws and guidelines.

You must be informed of the federal, state, and municipal regulations that relate to your drone operation if you intend to operate a drone in Hawaii. We will go through the fundamentals of Hawaii Drone Laws in this article, as well as offer some advice and resources for operating your drone safely and legally in the Land of the Aloha.

Federal Hawaii’s drone laws

In the United States, drones and all other facets of civil aviation are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Depending on the use and weight of their drones, the FAA has devised a set of regulations and recommendations for operators of drones.

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Drone Recreational Laws

You are regarded as a recreational drone operator if you use a drone for pleasure or fun. In order to operate a drone in Hawaii for fun, you must:

• Take and carry a copy of the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) certification.
• If your drone weighs greater than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA and label it with your registration number.
• Observe the recreational model airplane rules set forth by the FAA, which include:
  • Only use the air for leisure.
  • Observe the safety recommendations of a CBO that has received FAA recognition.
  • Fly your drone in your line of sight or make use of a visual observer who is nearby and in close proximity to you.
  • Fly in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) at 400 feet or lower.
  • Before flying in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace, get permission.
  • Avoid flying in forbidden or Class A restricted airspace.
  • Without permission, never fly close to heliports, airports, or other aircraft operations.
  • Flying over people, moving cars, or stadiums is prohibited.
  • Avoid flying over or in close proximity to emergency response situations like fires, police pursuits, or medical emergencies.
  • Do not use drugs or drink before taking to the air.
  • Never fly recklessly or carelessly enough to put other people’s safety in peril.

Commercial Drone Regulations

You are regarded as a commercial drone operator if you use a drone for professional or business objectives. In order to operate a drone for hire in Hawaii, you must:

• Get a Part 61 pilot certificate and successfully complete a flying review within the past 24 months, or obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA by passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing facility.
• If your drone weighs greater than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA and label it with your registration number.
• Observe the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule, which stipulates:
  • Fly only for commercial purposes that are permitted by Part 107 or for which you have a current FAA waiver.
  • Fly your drone in your line of sight or make use of a visual observer who is nearby and in close proximity to you.
  • Fly in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) at 400 feet or less, or get permission to fly in regulated airspace (Class B, C, D, or E).
  • Without specific authorization from the FAA, do not fly in Class A restricted airspace or in any forbidden locations.
  • Without prior permission and coordination, avoid flying close to heliports, airports, or other aircraft operations.
  • Without a waiver from the FAA, never fly over people, moving cars, or stadiums.
  • Unless you have authorization from the relevant authorities, avoid flying near or over emergency response activity, such as fires, police pursuits, or medical situations.
  • Do not use drugs or drink before taking to the air.
  • Never fly recklessly or carelessly enough to put other people’s safety in peril.
  • If your drone doesn’t have anti-collision lighting and an FAA waiver, don’t fly at night.
  • Flying shouldn’t go faster than 100 mph (87 knots).
  • Do not fly above a structure within a 400-foot radius or above the allowable altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
  • Unless you are in a thinly populated region, avoid flying from a moving car or aircraft.
  • Carry no dangerous items, and never release anything from your drone.
  • Unless you receive a waiver from the FAA, never fly more than one drone at once.
  • Avoid interfering with manned aircraft operations or communications from air traffic control.
  • Never fly your drone in a way that puts other aircraft, persons, or property at risk.

State Drone Laws in Hawaii

Hawaii has passed several state-specific rules that govern the use of drones in the state in addition to the federal drone laws. the following laws

• The Chief Operating Officer post for the Hawaii UAS Test Site is established by SB 661 (2015). This law also designates funds to establish the test site and creates an advisory council to plan and manage the development of the unmanned aerial systems test facility.
• A critical infrastructure site may not be approached from 500 feet above or 250 feet laterally without the owner or operator’s prior written consent, according to HB 314 (2016). Power plants, water treatment facilities, dams, airports, harbors, refineries, and military installations are examples of critical infrastructure facilities. Violations can result in a $5,000 fine, up to a year in jail, or both.
• HB 2559 (2018): This legislation forbids the use of drones for voyeurism, harassment, or violation of privacy. A $10,000 fine, one year in jail, or both may be imposed on violators.

Local Drone Laws in Hawaii

A few local governments in Hawaii have passed their own drone usage legislation in addition to the federal and state laws that already exist. Before flying your drone in any particular place, it is vital to check with the local authorities because these regulations may differ from county to county or city to city. In Hawaii, a few instances of local drone regulations are:

• Drones and other types of aircraft are not allowed to be used, launched, or landed in any of Hawaii’s state parks, according to a rule from the Department of Land and Natural Resources/Division of State Parks. The public is urged to inform law enforcement of anyone breaking park regulations.
• Drones are not permitted in Waimea Valley without previous written consent from management, according to this guideline. Fines and drone confiscation may be imposed on violators.
• Drones are not permitted in the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary without a permit from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, according to this regulation. Both civil and criminal sanctions may be imposed on offenders.

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How to Register a Drone in Hawaii

The same procedures as in other US states must be followed in order to register a drone in Hawaii. On the FAADroneZone website, you must FAA-register your drone. You will require:

• The $5 registration fee can be paid with a credit or debit card.
• Your drone’s brand and model
• the particular Remote ID serial number supplied by the maker, if any
• Your home address and, if different, your mailing address
• your phone number and email address

Online or postal registration is available for drones. You will obtain an FAA registration certificate after registering, and you must carry it with you whenever you fly. Additionally, your drone must be marked with your registration number. You must register each drone separately and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate if you fly your drone for business use. You must pass the TRUST test if you plan to fly your drone for leisure.

Tips and Resources for Flying Your Drone Safely and Legally in Hawaii

Drone flying in Hawaii can be exciting and gratifying, but there are risks and obligations involved. Here are some guidelines and information you might find helpful to fly your drone in Hawaii safely and legally:

• Check the weather before flying your drone at all times. Avoid flying when it’s windy, raining, foggy, or visibility is poor.
• Before flying your drone, always verify the airspace and no-fly zones. To find out where you may and cannot fly your drone, use resources like the B4UFLY app from the FAA, AirMap, or Kittyhawk.
• Always be considerate of others’ rights to their privacy and property. Never fly your drone over a person or over private property without their permission. Do not spy on, threaten, or intimidate someone with your drone.
• Always abide by the FAA’s guidelines as well as those issued by Hawaii’s government and local authorities. Never fly your drone near sensitive facilities or in prohibited areas. Do not interfere with manned aircraft operations or fly your drone close to or over emergency response activity.
• Flying your drone requires being respectful and careful at all times. Never operate your drone in a way that bothers, disturbs, or puts other people in danger. Keep your drone away from wildlife and protected areas. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, never operate a drone.
• Be ready at all times for unexpected events and emergencies. Prepare an action plan in case your drone breaks down, loses connection, or crashes. In case of mishaps, keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher close by. In case of loss or recovery, keep your name, phone number, and registration number visible on your drone.

What Happens if you Break Drone Rules in Hawaii?

The penalties for breaking drone laws in Hawaii depend on the severity of the offense and the authority that enforces them. Some possible consequences are:

• Fine: Depending on the offense and the authority, you may be subject to a fine that ranges from a few dollars to thousands of dollars.
• Criminal Charges: In some circumstances, you may also be subject to criminal prosecution for violating drone laws, particularly if you jeopardize the safety of the public or obstruct law enforcement operations.
• License suspension or loss: If you operate a commercial drone or hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, your license may be revoked or suspended for violating drone regulations.
• Prison Time: If you fly a drone in violation of the law, especially if you seriously harm or damage people or property, you may be sentenced to prison in exceptional circumstances.
• Drone Confiscation: If you violate drone regulations or fly in prohibited regions, the authorities may take your drone.

You must always abide by Hawaii’s drone laws and confirm that there are no-fly or no-drone zones nearby before taking off.

Where We Can Fly Drones in Hawaii

Yes, you are permitted to use drones in Hawaii for both business and recreational purposes as long as you abide by municipal and FAA requirements. However, national parks like Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks do not allow drone use. If you fly recreationally, you must also pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).

In Hawaii, these are a few of the well-liked and permitted locations to fly your drone:

• Sandy Beach State Park, Oahu
• Poolenalena Beach, Maui
• Nakalele Blowhole and Sweetheart Rock, Maui
• Hanauma Bay, Oahu
• Waimea Waterfall, Oahu
• Kaiaka Bay Beach, Oahu

No Drone Zones in Hawaii

There are places in Hawaii called No Drone Zones where flying a drone is prohibited for privacy or safety reasons. Several of these include:

• National parks like Haleakala National Park or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Airports and other restricted airspaces
• Populated areas or groups of people
• Shorelines within half a mile
• Public beaches designated by the county as “no drone zones”

You can check for no-fly zones, no-drone zones, and controlled or uncontrolled airspace in Hawaii using the B4UFLY mobile app developed by the FAA and Aloft.

Conclusion

The fundamentals of Hawaii’s drone rules and instructions for flying legally and safely in the Land of the Aloha have been addressed in this article. We have talked about the many local, state, and federal laws that drone pilots must abide by based on the use and size of their aircraft. Additionally, we have offered some advice and resources for respectfully and responsibly using your drone in Hawaii.

We hope you found this article to be instructive and helpful. Make sure you abide by the FAA, Hawaii’s laws, and local authorities’ rules and restrictions if you intend to operate a drone there. Additionally, remember to respect other people’s right to privacy and property, and avoid flying your drone in a way that irritates, disturbs, or endangers anyone.

You can pursue your drone-related hobby or business while abiding by the law and respecting the rights of others if you do this.

Happy flight!

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