FBI Honolulu and its partners are enforcing Federal Aviation Administration-imposed temporary flight restrictions above Kailua-Kona during the 2026 Ironman World Championship. With men and women competing on a single race day on Oct. 10, the triathlon kicks off in Kailua Bay and finishes near Ali‘i Drive along the Kona Coast in the West Hawai‘i community.
Federal officials have established no drone zones to protect athletes, spectators and the community. The enforcement deployment relies on specialized Department of Justice authority to use detection tools capable of identifying and seizing drones that violate temporary flight restrictions.
“The FBI is enforcing no drone zones around Kailua-Kona in support of the Ironman World Championship,” said FBI Honolulu Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Ryan Noonan. “To keep athletes, spectators and the community safe, our agents and law enforcement partners — under Department of Justice authority — can use specialized detection tools to identify and seize drones that violate temporary flight restrictions.”
Enforcement Measures and Legal Penalties in Kona
Violating these airspace rules can trigger civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison and seizure of the drone.
Before launching any unmanned aerial vehicle, operators are advised to verify airspace conditions through the FAA B4UFLY mobile application or check official updates directly on the Federal Aviation Administration website.
Members of the public who observe suspicious or unsafe aerial operations are urged to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 9-1-1. To promote broader public awareness regarding lawful flight practices, FBI Honolulu collaborated with the Honolulu Police Department and the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement to produce an informational video detailing operational guidelines.
