Cars were lined up early this morning at the University of Hawai'i parking structure as students headed back to school on the first day of the fall semester. GREGORY YAMAMOTO I The Honolulu Advertiser

"There is definitely a backup on the university off-ramps down to Bingham Street and around Wai'alae from east Honolulu traffic," Takayama said.

There was heavy traffic around the parking structure, as well as city buses and UH shuttle buses bringing in students from places such as Manoa Marketplace and the Japanese Cultural Center, Takayama said.

Starting today, parking around UH dormitories also will tighten, Takayama said.

A private contractor has begun towing vehicles without permits that are parked illegally, he said.

UH officials also have stepped up security after two break-ins at the Hale Aloha Mokihana dorm — one of which involved a sexual assault against a female student.