Legislature considers fixed traffic cameras

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Counties would be able to install fixed cameras to catch drivers who run red lights or speed on state and county roads and highways under a proposal up for discussion Monday before the House Transportation Committee.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Souki, D-8th (Wailuku, Waiehu), emphasized that the proposal is nothing like the unpopular, short-lived traffic camera enforcement program — also known as "van cam" — that lawmakers repealed in 2002 after public outcry. In that program, crews in vans parked along state highways caught speeders on camera, and citations were mailed to the vehicle's registered owner.

The photo enforcement cameras in the proposal would not be roving but fixed to a pole or other structure in dangerous areas to photograph and fine speeders and drivers who run red lights.

"We have far too many people driving dangerously on our roads and not enough police officers to patrol every dangerous area," said Souki. "Van Cam was a mistake that we don't want to repeat. However, permanent, fixed cameras in dangerous locations can be great deterrents and law enforcement tools."

Under the language proposed for Senate Bill 2344, only warnings would be issued during the first year of the program, and there would be a public information campaign about the system for at least one year before citations are issued. The proposal would require counties to post signs informing drivers of photo enforcement systems in the area.

House Transportation Committee vice chairman Kirk Caldwell, D-24th (Manoa), said the proposal is a cost-effective way to keep roads and highways safe.

Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris said the city "would certainly consider" using traffic enforcement cameras as a tool to nab red-light violators at dangerous intersections, but not for catching speeders.

Harris said there are too many subjective issues involved in considering whether to issue a speeding ticket, but no such ambiguity when it comes to red-light violations.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim also said he would be interested in such a system, so long as counties have discretion over how to run it, including educating the public about the program.

The House Transportation Committee's public hearing on the proposal will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday in Room 309 of the Capitol.

Advertiser Staff Writer Gordon Y.K. Pang contributed to this report.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.