Informing the Legislature that on May 19, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB389 HD1 SD1 (ACT 014).

2026 Regular Session

Hawaii tightens penalties for drone misuse, including tampering with IDs, obstructing authorities, causing injury or over $750 property damage, and bans operations under intoxicati

Received.

#act014

Summary of HB389 (Act 014) as Signed into Law

Purpose and intent

The bill relates to uncrewed aircraft (drones) offenses in Hawaii.

It creates and clarifies criminal provisions for certain misuse of uncrewed aircraft, including acts that obstruct law enforcement, cause injury or property damage, or otherwise misuse drones in specified ways.

The act takes effect upon approval (May 19, 2026).

Key provisions and changes

1) Policy for law enforcement exemptions
- Section 711-1121(3) is amended to specify that certain personnel acting within the scope of their official duties are exempt from subsections (1)(a), (b), (c), (d), and (f) of 711-1121. This includes:
- Police officers, deputy sheriffs, adult corrections officers, correctional workers, or fire department personnel
- Other persons acting under authority of or pursuant to contracts with U.S. or state/county government, or any department or agency of those governments

2) Misuse of uncrewed aircraft in the third degree
- Section 711-1123(1) is amended to redefine and detail what constitutes the offense of “misuse of uncrewed aircraft in the third degree,” including intentional, knowing, or reckless actions such as:
- (a) Removing, obliterating, altering, or tampering with identification/registration numbers of an uncrewed aircraft
- (b) Operating a drone in a way that obstructs, impairs, or hinders police officers, deputy sheriffs, or fire department personnel acting under color of official authority
- (c) Operating a drone and causing bodily injury to another person
- (d) Operating a drone and causing property damage to another’s property exceeding $750, without consent
- (e) Operating a drone while under the influence of an intoxicant
- (f) Operating a drone after license/certificate/permit to operate has been revoked, suspended, or restricted
- (g) Using a drone to further the commission of a felony not otherwise listed or enumerated in the chapter
- A conviction under this subsection adds to, rather than replaces, any separate felony conviction, and sentences may run concurrently or consecutively with the related felony.

Who is affected

Individuals who operate uncrewed aircraft in Hawaii could be charged under the new third-degree misuse offenses (particularly if engaging in identification tampering, obstructing authorities, causing injury, or substantial property damage).

Law enforcement and public safety personnel are explicitly protected in certain drone operations by exemptions for official duties.

Drone operators with revoked/suspended licenses or those under the influence while piloting a drone are subject to increased penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: The act becomes law upon the Governor’s approved signature (May 19, 2026).

It amends existing Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 711-1121 and 711-1123 to implement the new framework and penalties.

The act references concurrent or consecutive sentencing options for offenses under 711-1123, alongside any related felony conviction.

Additional notes

The Governor’s certificate indicates the act was signed into law as Act 014 on May 19, 2026.

The text updates are focused on clarifying exemptions for official duties and tightening penalties for misuse of uncrewed aircraft, including specific thresholds for property damage and conditions for sobriety and license status.