The Ticket Defense Service program provides attorney representation on a driver's behalf if the renter is unable to appear in traffic court, except in cases of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"The idea is to help people who make an honest mistake and need some representation," said David Gilman, a spokesman for Alamo. "This is aimed at responsible drivers."

At least one state lawmaker worried that the program could encourage drivers to be less observant of traffic rules.

"I'm concerned that it would dilute the enforcement capability of our police officers," said Sen. Cal Kawamoto, D-19th (Waipahu, Pearl City), a major proponent of Hawai'i's traffic photo enforcement program which was repealed by the Legislature earlier this year. "It bothers me. (It's) putting fuel to the fire as far as speed is concerned."

Gilman said Alamo is only trying to help drivers who may make a mistake because they are not familiar with roads in Hawai'i. "We don't want bad drivers," he said.

The program is being tested in Honolulu and Phoenix through November and the representation will be provided through Hyatt Legal Plans, a unit of MetLife Inc., Alamo said.