Hawaii lawmakers have formed an aerospace caucus to take the state to the final frontier.
Hawaii lawmakers have formed an aerospace caucus to take the state to the final frontier.
The caucus will promote measures aimed at improving space research and development, creating a laser optical communications facility and promoting flight training at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hawaii Community College.
Other measures it supports call for the banning of unmanned aircrafts, except by law enforcement agencies to gather information, and exempts the construction of a space launch facility from the general excise tax.
The caucus is co-chaired by Sen. Will Espero, Sen. Glenn Wakai, Rep. Angus McKelvey and Rep. Gene Ward.
It also includes Sen. Russell Ruderman and Reps. Isaac Choy, Cindy Evans, Richard Fale, Faye Hanohano, Sharon Har, Ken Ito, Derek Kawakami, Bob McDermott, Mark Nakashima, Calvin Say and Clift Tsuji.