The Federal Aviation Administration and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are investigating a report of a drone that struck a tour helicopter on Kauai.
The collision reportedly occurred at about 1:45 p.m. Friday while a Blue Hawaiian helicopter was flying over the Nualolo Kai area on the Napali Coast.
“There were no reported injuries to the pilot or passengers,” said FAA spokesman Ian Gregor in an emailed statement. “The pilot reported scratches on the aircraft belly but no significant damage.”
The owner of the drone and type of drone that struck the aircraft are unknown at this time.
Gregg Lundberg, president and chief executive officer of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, could not be reached for comment. A representative at the tour company’s office also declined to comment on the collision.
The use of drones at
Hawaii state parks is prohibited unless the user obtains a film permit from the state.
Violators face civil penalties of up to $500 and administrative fines of up to $10,000.
A film permit application may be filed with the Hawaii Film Office for those interested in using drones at “state-administered locations” such as state parks for any film, television or commercial production.
DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said the Division of State Parks did not issue any permit for drones to be used at the Napali Coast on Friday.
Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson also said no film permits were issued for any production through the Hawaii Film Office for that area.
Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, said there has been an increase in the presence of drones at state parks on the island over the last two years.
“A drone is the new GoPro,” Kanoho said. “On any given day at any state park on Kauai … you could see a drone.”
Numerous drone videos of the scenic, natural beauty of Kauai are posted on the internet by both hobbyists and production companies.
On occasion, drones have been permitted to be used at state parks for filming when a film permit has been issued, Kanoho said.
“We really have to start educating people,” she added, noting they want to make sure people are following the rules as Friday’s collision could have turned into a “tragic situation.”
