Hawaii Airport Decriminalization Bill Passes

July 12, 2018 - Last week Hawaii Governor David Ige signed SB2619 into law, a bill removing criminal penalties for airport policy violations unrelated to safety. Previously, Hawaii had been the only state in the nation that imposed misdemeanor charges for such offenses.

EAA filed written testimony in support of the bill in March, pointing out that misdemeanor convictions are grossly disproportionate with potential offenses, which could be as minor as storing inappropriate items in a hangar or parking a vehicle inappropriately. Even relatively inconsequential criminal convictions can follow a person for years, particularly in the case of pilots.

“EAA is pleased to see this step in the right direction by the state of Hawaii,” said Tom Charpentier, EAA government relations director. “We would like to recognize our members and chapters in Hawaii that provided the on-the-ground work to get this bill across the finish line, alongside AOPA and other pilot groups.”