Posted on: Monday, June 11, 2001

Permanent speed radar displays planned near schools

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Beginning this fall, drivers zooming too fast through school areas will really have no excuse.

The state Department of Transportation is going to install permanent speed radar displays through school zones. The devices will be placed on signposts directly below the speed limit signs.

State officials hope to set up 12 to 20 of the devices, the first of which could be installed by September.

State transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali said the project will be put out to bid later this month.

The state and Honolulu police have periodically placed portable speed displays near dangerous traffic areas. But those devices are heavy and were placed in open spaces away from passing vehicles.

The new speed displays will cost about $4,000 each for those powered by electricity and $7,000 each for those using solar power. About $80,000 of federal money will pay for the project.

The Transportation Department's traffic branch and a community pedestrian task force will determine which schools get the speed display signs.

Kali said the department is discussing with police the possibility of having officers posted near the signs. The state has federal money to provide for officers' overtime pay for speed enforcement.

"If we don't have enough police presence there, some drivers just may use the device to see how fast they can go," she said. "But we believe most drivers just don't realize how fast they are going and need to be reminded."

A new state law mandates a $250 fine for drivers speeding through school zones.