Get control over use of drones

The state is showing interest, as it should, in the notion that Hawaii can become a test site for the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles, the robot aircraft better known as drones.

However, there are so many unanswered questions about how such a testing initiative would work that a pause is in order.

Congress is now sending go-slow signals about the program, which Hawaii elected officials should heed.

A deliberative approach, one that involves more public discussions, is what’s needed for this double-edged technology.

The underlying purpose of the testing — to enable the Federal Aviation Administration to develop rules governing drones — is a critical need for policymakers nationwide. But it’s necessary that private-sector money to finance Hawaii’s part will come through, as proponents believe it will.

Hawaii state agencies, led by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, are partnering with Alaska and Oregon on an application to become one of six groups the FAA will select for the project.

Tremendous enthusiasm for the testing program has bubbled up around the country, with 50 applications from 37 states already in the hopper.

The attraction to the program, supporters say, is that the state could become a center for drone research, testing and certification. Ultimately, this could create highly paid science jobs and provide a boost to the economy.

There’s been so much public distress over drones for their militarized use and invasions of privacy that it’s easy to forget the more benign uses the technology permits.

Unmanned aircraft now are in use here as remote monitors on coffee plantations and to find and track whales.

Other applications include weather monitoring, oil and gas exploration, aerial imaging, firefighting, disaster relief and search and rescue.

The proliferation of civilian as well as military uses was sparked by the increased availability of the technology, so an increased presence of the drones over time is inevitable.

A federal law, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, directs the agency to integrate unmanned systems into the national airspace by Sept. 30, 2015, following the testing program.

Even without the legal deadline, gaining some control over the growing tally of aircraft would be a necessity.

But some ground rules are needed now, before the testing even begins, to address prevailing concerns about privacy.

In June, language was added to an appropriations bill before the U.S. Senate to require privacy concerns to be addressed at the front end.

The final regulations would have to be delayed until the FAA submits a report detailing the impact on individual privacy.

Notwithstanding the 2015 deadline anxiety federal officials likely feel, passing the amendment would be a prudent step.

Hawaii agencies championing the proposal, which also include the state defense and transportation departments and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, tout the safety advantage shared by the three partner states — the Pacific Ocean, a vast testing ground with plenty of open airspace.

In addition, according to the proposal, Hawaii is home to tech companies already engaged in drone development, good climate and "a robust aviation infrastructure and workforce at both state and federal facilities that can support these activities."

Further, officials assure that the agencies "collectively are reaching out to the local business community to solicit professional recommendations and support."

But the public should reasonably expect that outside funding for the tests will be available as well.

It would be smart to get those ducks in a row for the short term before plunging ahead with any plan, no matter how promising it sounds in the long run.