City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2014 / 07/18/14 Mayor, Police Chief, Prosecutor to provide update on fight against illegal aerial advertising

Friday, July 18, 2014 Contact: Mayor Caldwell's Press Office, 768-5768   **TODAY** Mayor, Police Chief, Prosecutor to provide update on fight against illegal aerial advertising   Honolulu Hale – Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Honolulu Police Department Chief Louis Kealoha, and Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro will hold a news conference today at 10 a.m. in the mayor's office to update the public on their joint efforts to stop a company conducting illegal aerial advertising over O'ahu.   On July 4, HPD cited the pilot after members of the public reported the illegal banner to 9-1-1. (citation here)   On July 15, Prosecutor Kaneshiro issued a penal summons to AERIAL BANNERS, INC. for "intentionally, knowingly or recklessly use any type of aircraft or other self-propelled or buoyant airborne object to display in any manner or for any purpose whatsoever any sign or advertising device, thereby committing the offense of Aerial Advertising Prohibited in violation of Section 40-6.1 (a) of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu." (summons here)   The city has requested a copy from both the company and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the FAA certificate of waiver that Aerial Banners claims allows it to fly banners.   Yesterday, Mayor Caldwell wrote a letter to U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz and U.S. Representatives Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard requesting assistance in obtaining responses from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and ending Aerial Banner's disrespect for the laws of the City & County of Honolulu. (letters here)   The city believes the company may attempt to fly an illegal banner again this weekend.  Mayor Caldwell asks the public to again call 9-1-1 if they see the illegal banner so HPD may cite them.    -END-