The Maui News
The Maui and Kauai police departments and the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office are warning the public against pointing lasers at aircraft after pilots reported laser sightings around the Kahului and Kapalua airports.
Pointing lasers at an aircraft is a federal violation that can cause serious injuries and travel delays, the agencies said in a joint news release on Wednesday. Knowingly doing so is a federal offense carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An individual can also face as many as 20 years in prison for interference with an aircraft.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is extremely dangerous and puts the lives of those on the aircraft and on the ground at risk,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill. “This action causes an imminent threat to aviation safety with the potential to cause grave danger. It is not a harmless prank, and the FBI, KPD, and MPD take these incidents very seriously.”
Recent sightings of lasers in and around Kahului and Kapalua Airport have been reported and documented in the past week, the agencies said. Pilots landing at the airports have experienced a green laser illuminating their aircraft while on approach to land. Neighborhoods with reported incidents include Kahului, Kapalua, Kihei and Nakalele.
Locations on Kauai also have had recent laser sightings reported and documented.
“I urge our community to understand the gravity of these actions and the potential consequences they carry,” Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said. “Safety is our top priority, and we will not tolerate any actions that jeopardize the well-being of our community and those traveling through our airspace. Let us work together to ensure the safety of our skies and protect our community from harm.”
Members of the public who have witnessed an individual aiming a laser at an aircraft or have information about a laser incident can contact MPD’s nonemergency number at (808) 244-6400 or 911 in an emergency. The FBI can be reached by phone at (808) 566-4300 for its Honolulu Field Office or (800) CALL-FBI (225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.
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