THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1296

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technologies.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds many aspects of business in Hawaii could be greatly enhanced, expanded, and enriched by incorporating unmanned aircraft systems where appropriate.  Unmanned aircraft systems technologies have the potential to be beneficial to a wide range of industries, from the film industry to journalism; from entertainment to tourism; from agriculture to the environment; and from public safety to public health.  These technologies also can be of value to education and workforce development across all these sectors of the economy. 

     Across the United States, entrepreneurial efforts are leading the way toward the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems technologies in these wide ranges of industries.  Businesses and tourists will expect to find an equivalent unmanned aircraft systems framework here in Hawaii as well.  Finding the way to properly fit these innovative technologies into Hawaii's business environment is the essential next step toward realizing unmanned aircraft systems' full potential statewide.

     The legislature further finds that the State and counties must prepare for the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into a wide range of business activities, while concurrently encouraging businesses and the public health and safety, operational, and educational communities to further kindle innovation with these technologies.  In addition, common policies and rules on training, operations, safety, and certification must be developed so these technologies can be used safely, similar to how other innovative technologies have been developed and implemented in the State.

     Furthermore, the State has already been engaged at the national level in the future of unmanned aircraft systems by becoming a partner in, and funding of, the Pan Pacific UAS Test Range Complex.  This innovative program, funded through the department of business, economic development, and tourism with the University of Hawaii's applied research laboratory as executor, puts Hawaii in a leadership position for the development, testing, and implementation of future applications of unmanned aircraft system technology in support of business use and certification.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funding to generate multiple unmanned aircraft systems products, such as operations manuals and integration events, in order to:

     (1)  Generate corporate and public awareness of the value of unmanned aircraft systems to our island society;

     (2)  Promote community involvement through public fairs, similar as those used to promote resilience and disaster preparation, and other events and meetings; and

     (3)  Create pathways toward the expedited implementation of unmanned aircraft systems technologies statewide.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $400,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017-2018 for the purpose of promoting and managing the development, testing, and evaluation of unmanned aircraft system technologies through the applied research laboratory at the University of Hawaii.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2017.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Appropriation

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation to develop various unmanned aircraft systems products such as operations manuals and integration events, in order to generate awareness of the value of unmanned aircraft systems, promote community involvement through fairs and other events, and create pathways towards the expedited implementation of unmanned aircraft systems technologies across the State.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.