Honolulu begins warning speeders with new camera system

Starting Monday, a new safety camera system for speeding violations will issue warnings to drivers in urban Honolulu. The cameras are installed at ten intersections where red-light cameras already operate. By September or October, these cameras will begin issuing citations for speeding. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) has seen improvements in intersection safety with red-light cameras, reporting a 69% reduction in major crashes since their installation in November 2022. This new speed enforcement program aims to further enhance safety on the roads. Statistics show that nearly half of all highway deaths in Hawaii over the past five years were due to speeding. Speeding also played a major role in about 60% of fatal traffic crashes in 2023. High speeds dramatically reduce the chances of survival in pedestrian accidents, with a 90% survival rate at 20 mph compared to just 20% at 40 mph. The speed camera program is a result of Senate Bill 2443, which allows the implementation of these systems at intersections with existing red-light cameras. There will be a 30-day education and warning phase before citations are officially issued. Initially, the cameras will record speed data but not issue warnings until the official phase begins. DOT Director Ed Sniffen mentioned that data collected since March 1 shows a high number of potential violations. The department is preparing resources to handle mailing warnings and processing citations efficiently. The red-light program previously required additional staffing and funding to manage increased demands, and this new speeding initiative may face similar needs. While the program aims to change driver behavior and reduce speeding, there are concerns about overwhelming the courts with contested citations. The Judiciary is preparing for the anticipated increase in cases. Unlike older mobile camera systems, the new cameras will be fixed at known locations with clear signage to inform drivers. When violations occur, the system captures images and videos, which are sent to a processing center for review. Citations will be mailed to vehicle owners within ten days and can be contested online. The goal is to increase safety while encouraging compliance with speed limits.