Drones take to Hawaii skies

Recently the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected six sites to serve as test ranges to "allow the agency to develop research findings and operational experiences to help ensure the safe integration of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) into the nation’s airspace."

Today UAS cannot routinely fly in U.S. national airspace (NAS), which severely limits their use by our government agencies.

Commercial use of UAS in the air space is prohibited except for training and research.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) estimates that it costs the U.S. economy $27 million daily for every day that UAS are not integrated into the NAS. The same study predicts that UAS integration would create more than 34,000 manufacturing jobs and more than 70,000 new jobs in the first three years.The economic benefit to Hawaii is projected to be $194 million in the next 10 years.

Alaska leads the nation in the use of UAS: to count wildlife, study fisheries, inspect pipelines and monitor the environment. In Hawaii, similar opportunities exist. Additional applications in Hawaii’s future will likely include precision agriculture, identification and eradication of invasive species, cinematography, search and rescue, law enforcement, harbor security and disaster response.

Every dollar allocated by our Legislature in support of the FAA test site effort has the potential to multiply, bringing jobs and economic benefit to the people of Hawaii. Our schools that deliver STEM education programs to our children are preparing the workforce now.

Hawaii is teamed with Alaska and Oregon as part of the so-called Pan-Pacific Test Site, one of the six official FAA test sites. As early as six months from now, UAS (in addition to those already operated locally by military and civil agencies) may begin operating in Hawaii skies in support of the airspace integration effort. It is only natural that questions be answered about noise, safety and personal privacy as we prepare to host this activity.

The unmanned aircraft supporting airspace integration will operate initially in restricted airspace over sparsely populated areas, or over the open ocean. As confidence is gained in the reliability of the vehicles, their control systems and procedures developed to ensure safe operations in controlled airspace, they may be seen along defined airways or approach corridors to our airports, where one now sees manned military, commercial and private aircraft. UAS will not be flying in our residential neighborhoods. It is extremely unlikely that the testing will even be discernible to the public.

With the proliferation of UAS technology and the ease with which it can be employed, comes the possibility of misuse. Our Legislature is contemplating several laws to protect the privacy of individuals. Some people are concerned the proposed legislation does not go far enough, while law enforcement officials argue they will be restricted from effectively discharging their responsibilities.

The right balance in privacy can be found in guidelines developed by the Aerospace States Association, an organization formed to promote a state-based perspective in federal aerospace policy. Guidelines are posted at http://aerostates.org/ events/uas-state-privacy-considerations.

Legislation that goes beyond these guidelines, such as proposals to limit the use or ownership of UAS, or statutes that require UAS registration with the state, will adversely impact Hawaii’s economy, unduly limit the effectiveness of agencies charged with law enforcement, and saddle state officials with expensive and unnecessary regulatory responsibilities. The privacy and safety of the public can be protected by following the guidelines cited above, while preserving the legitimate prerogatives of law enforcement officials to discharge their responsibilities.

UAS integration into the air space will usher in an exciting future featuring new products, services, jobs and economic growth. Most important, Hawaii has an opportunity to lead.