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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:47 a.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2002

Next traffic citation you get will be costly

 •  Here's where cameras will enforce laws of the road
 •  Explanatory article
 •  Q&A
 •  Join our discussion on the state's traffic cam program
 •  DOT Web site

By Mike Gordon and Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writers

How many of you obeyed the speed limit today now that the state's photo enforcement system is officially tagging drivers? Now you're probably wondering, right?

A photo enforcement van monitors traffic today on the side of Pali Highway near the turnoff to the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout.

The occupant of the van checks to see if drivers are obeying the speed limit.

A radar machine is a constant reminder of how fast town-bound motorists on the Pali are driving through Nu'uanu.

Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

Police this morning said it was probably too early to know if drivers are being more cautious, but it would be nice if they were. Joe Natividad, the administrative sergeant for the department's solo-bike detail, said the H-1 and H-2 freeways were fairly open when he drove to work, something that normally prompts speeding.

"But this morning, I didn't notice any speeders," Natividad said.

He wasn't sure if that was a coincidence or cameras at work.

"I didn't see any significant changes, but it's the first day," he said.

Drivers will know soon enough when citations begin arriving in the mail. There will be no more warnings.

Starting today, drivers caught by the state's new photo enforcement program accused of violating speeding and red-light laws will receive real citations and either have to pay a fine or plead their case before a judge. During the past month, the state has issued more than 4,000 warnings to those drivers.

Under a three-year pilot program, a private company, ACS State and Local Solutions, will operate the cameras and computers that try to catch the violators, and under the supervision of state officials will forward a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle. The citation will include visual evidence and other details of the infraction.

The program is expected to begin with four unmarked vans at rotating locations checking for speeders and 10 pole-mounted cameras checking for red-light runners at intersections around O'ahu.

The use of cameras has generated intense reaction from drivers worried about everything from their constitutional rights to rising insurance rates, but officials are confident the program can stand up to legal or political challenges.

Fines for running a red light are $77. Speeding violators will have to pay $27 plus $5 for every mile per hour over the posted speed limit. The fines increase if not paid within 15 days. Revenue generated will be shared by ACS, the state judiciary and the Transportation Department.

• • •

Here's where cameras will enforce laws of the road

Initial location for photo-enforcement of laws regarding stop lights.

  • Vineyard Boulevard and Punchbowl Street
  • Pali Highway and School Street
  • Likelike Highway and Kahekili Highway
  • H-1 Exit 18 East and Middle Street
  • Nimitz Highway and Kalihi Street
  • Kunia Road and Kupuna Loop
  • Kalaniana'ole Highway and 'Ainakoa Avenue/Waikui Street
  • Farrington Highway and Nanakuli Avenue
  • Fort Weaver Road and A'awa Drive/Old Fort Weaver Road
  • Kamehameha Highway and Pali Momi Street

Initial locations for photo-enforcement of speeding laws

  • Farrington Highway
  • Fort Weaver Road
  • H-1 Freeway
  • H-2 Freeway
  • H-3 Freeway
  • Kahekili Highway
  • Kalaniana'ole Highway
  • Kamehameha Highway, Route 83 & 99
  • Kane'ohe Bay Drive
  • Kunia Road
  • Likelike Highway
  • Moanalua Freeway
  • Nimitz Highway
  • Pali Highway

Source: State Department of Transportation