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Tagged: Aviation Laws, Decriminalization, Hangars
Hawaii De-Criminalization Bill Passes House and Senate
Hawaii Senate Bill 2619 (SB 2619) has been sent to the governor for his consideration and if signed or allowed to pass into law, will change some of the penalties associated with violations of the Hawaii Administrative Rules governing the state airports.
AOPA has made huge strides in our effort in Hawaii to pass legislation that will replace criminal penalties with a fine for certain airport offenses. At present, Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that issues criminal citations for hangar infractions that can result in a permanent criminal record. These severe penalties are something we take very seriously. Knowing how important this issue is to the pilot community, modifying this law has been a top AOPA priority in Hawaii for the past two years.
We are happy to report that Senate Bill 2619, which removes criminal penalties of hangar infractions, has successfully passed the Hawaii House and Senate, and is awaiting the Governor’s signature to become law. We anticipate enactment within the next two months.
This success would not have been possible without support from our Airport Support Network Volunteers, GACH, EAA, NBAA, and members of the Hawaii Aviation Caucus. From submitting testimony to reaching out to your elected officials, our volunteers made the critical difference in getting SB2619 passed. As this Bill has illustrated, when we work together we can effect positive change for the aviation community.
Complete information can be found here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2619
This bill was signed into law last week by Gov. Ing.
GACH members started this Legislation over 3 years ago. With the help of AOPA, NBAA, EAA, and over 25 GACH members entering testimony, we got it done.
The next step will be for an Edit to the HRS’s that are effected by this law. Standby, there will be considerable more work by the GACH Legislative Committee to help guide these rewrites.
Thanks everyone for work on this important 3 year project.
Pat McNamee
President GACH
