Hawaii is one of several states that has been selected as a site for testing commercial drones.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday that six institutions have been chosen to research the technology, including the University of Alaska, which plans to conduct testing in Alaska, Oregon and Hawaii.

The agency currently prohibits the commercial use of drones, but is aiming to design operational guidelines for the technology by 2015. 

Hawaii Sen. Will Espero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, said drones could help Hawaii’s efforts regarding disaster response, invasive species control, weather and marine research, and search and rescue operations. 

“This research has the potential to grow and diversify our economy, bringing high paying jobs to our residents. It will enhance Hawaii as a test site for technology and robotics,” Espero said in a press release.

The selection followed a competitive application process by 25 institutions in 24 states and intense political lobbying, according to the Associated Press.

— Anita Hofschneider