Officials issue warning after man pleads guilty to laser-pointer assault on pilot

Federal prosecutors warn that aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a serious federal offense after Maui resident Jesse Kong pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to a Jan. 25, 2024 laser‑pointer incident involving a FBI Cessna 182 over Hawaii. Kong admitted he bought a laser pointer online and lent it to another person who directed the beam at the plane, disorienting the pilot and interfering with operations. He entered a guilty plea on April 15 and faces sentencing on June 17, with a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison under federal law.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, the FBI and the FAA emphasized that laser pointing at aircraft is illegal and dangerous, and that Hawaii has one of the nation's highest rates of such assaults. The office noted that some laser devices sold online are mislabeled in terms of power, increasing risk to crews and passengers. Sentencing could be reduced under a plea agreement, but officials stressed accountability and cooperation with law enforcement to identify offenders. Authorities also reiterated that pointing lasers at aircraft can blind pilots and ignite fires.