Federal Authorities Warn of Rising Aircraft Laser Attacks in Hawaii as Maui Man Awaits Sentencing in Federal Case

HONOLULU — Federal authorities in Hawaii are intensifying enforcement efforts targeting aircraft laser attacks as prosecutors, the FBI, and the Federal Aviation Administration continue warning that laser strikes against aircraft pose serious dangers to pilots, passengers, and communities below flight paths.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii announced an ongoing joint enforcement initiative with the FBI and FAA aimed at identifying and prosecuting individuals responsible for aiming laser devices at aircraft operating within Hawaiian airspace.

Federal officials stated Hawaii continues experiencing one of the highest rates of aircraft lasing incidents in the United States.

Authorities warned that laser strikes against aircraft can temporarily or permanently impair a pilot’s vision during critical phases of flight, including takeoff, landing, and low-altitude operations. Even brief exposure to high-powered laser beams can cause flash blindness, visual disorientation, and cockpit visibility disruptions capable of endangering aircraft operations.

Federal prosecutors highlighted the case of Jesse Kong, 30, of Maui, Hawaii, who pleaded guilty in federal court on April 15, 2026, to being an accessory after the fact to a laser-pointer assault involving a federal pilot.

According to court records, Kong admitted purchasing a laser pointer online and loaning it to an associate who used the device to aim a laser beam at a federally operated aircraft and directly into the cockpit area, interfering with the pilot’s vision and aircraft operations.

Federal investigators stated the incident created a significant aviation safety hazard and demonstrated how handheld laser devices can rapidly escalate into serious federal criminal matters.

Authorities further stated that after the incident occurred, FBI agents intercepted Kong and the associate involved. During questioning, Kong falsely told investigators the responsible individuals had already left the area, assisting the associate in avoiding immediate apprehension.

Kong faces up to six months in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2026.

Federal officials stated the investigation demonstrates the FBI’s ability to rapidly identify and track the origins of aircraft laser strikes through witness information, surveillance footage, flight data analysis, and ground-based investigative methods.

The FBI and FAA continue warning that many laser devices sold online are significantly more powerful than advertised. Some handheld lasers marketed as standard presentation pointers are capable of emitting high-energy beams strong enough to cause permanent eye injuries, ignite materials, and interfere with aircraft navigation and cockpit visibility from substantial distances.

Federal law classifies knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path as a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison. In cases involving federally operated aircraft, offenders may also face charges connected to assaulting federal officers. Authorities additionally warned that individuals assisting offenders or concealing involvement after incidents occur may also face prosecution under federal law.

Federal aviation officials stated Hawaii recorded a measurable reduction in laser strike incidents during the first five months of 2026 following expanded enforcement activity and public awareness campaigns tied to the FAA’s “Lose the Laser” initiative.

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Slack is prosecuting the matter.

Federal authorities also released video footage shown below demonstrating how laser beams directed at aircraft can severely impair a pilot’s field of vision during active flight operations and create dangerous visibility disruptions inside aircraft cockpits.

According to federal officials, the footage shows how high-powered laser beams can flood cockpit windows with intense light during nighttime operations, landing approaches, and other critical phases of flight.

The FBI and Federal Aviation Administration continue warning that aircraft laser strikes remain a significant aviation safety concern nationwide, particularly in Hawaii, where federal officials stated the state continues experiencing one of the highest rates of reported lasing incidents in the country.ated the state continues experiencing one of the highest rates of aircraft laser strikes in the country.

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