Hawaii Revised Statutes Division 1. Government § 188-23.5

(a) It is unlawful to possess or use on, in, or near state marine waters, any unmanned aerial vehicles, for the purpose of taking aquatic life, except under the terms and conditions of a permit first obtained by the user from the department of land and natural resources; provided that unmanned aerial vehicles may be used for the purpose of simple reconnaissance. The department of land and natural resources may issue permits for the possession or use of unmanned aerial vehicles consistent with other legal requirements.

(b) As used in this section, “unmanned aerial vehicle” means any aerial vehicle that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention within or on the aerial vehicle.