Multiple news sources report on federal enforcement efforts against aircraft laser incidents following a Maui man’s guilty plea. Jesse Kong, 30, awaits sentencing after admitting to providing a laser pointer used to target a federal aircraft.
- Jesse Kong, 30, of Maui pleaded guilty April 15, 2026 to being an accessory after the fact to a laser-pointer assault on a federal pilot
- Kong purchased a laser pointer online and loaned it to an associate who aimed it at a federal aircraft cockpit, disorienting the pilot
- Kong faces up to 6 months imprisonment when sentenced on June 17, 2026
- Kong lied to FBI agents after the incident, falsely claiming the responsible individuals had left the scene to help his associate avoid arrest
- Hawaii has one of the highest rates of aircraft laser incidents in the nation, according to U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson
- Laser strikes in Hawaii decreased 10.6% during the first five months of 2026 due to enforcement efforts (Maui Now)
- Pointing lasers at aircraft is a federal felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and can constitute assault on a federal officer
Sources
- Hawaii Free Press: Convicted: FBI Catches Maui Dude Pointing Laser at Airplanes
- Maui Now: US Attorney’s Office and FBI crack down on aircraft laser incidents, Maui man awaits sentencing
- Aol: Maui man awaits sentencing for federal plane laser attack
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