Bill > HB550

This bill modifies Hawaii's Fireworks Control Law to explicitly allow law enforcement agencies to use video or other recordings from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) as a means of establishing probable cause for arrests related to fireworks violations. Specifically, the bill permits such recordings to be used as evidence if the UAV is recording directly above public property (such as parks, streets, sidewalks, or easements) and the offense is committed on public property. The bill provides clear definitions, noting that an "unmanned aerial vehicle" is any aerial vehicle operated without direct human intervention on the vehicle, but specifically excludes remote-controlled airplanes. This change expands the existing law's methods for establishing probable cause, which previously included witness statements and authenticated video recordings, by creating a special provision for UAV-captured evidence that does not require additional witness authentication. The bill aims to provide law enforcement with additional tools to enforce fireworks regulations and will take effect immediately upon approval.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=550&year=2025