Aloha State News

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) will begin issuing warnings for speeding violations at ten downtown Honolulu intersections starting March 1, 2025. These safety camera systems have been operational since November 2022, previously targeting red-light running violations. The introduction of speed monitoring aims to enhance safety and remind drivers to adhere to speed limits.

Since the cameras' activation, major crashes at these intersections have decreased by 69%. "Speed is a crucial factor in whether or not someone will survive a car crash," stated Ed Sniffen, Director of HDOT. He emphasized that almost half of Hawaii's traffic fatalities over the past five years are linked to speed.

From March 1 to April 29, the cameras will issue warnings for speeding violations as outlined in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes §291C-108. This period serves to educate drivers on maintaining proper speeds. After this warning phase, citations may be issued for exceeding speed limits by more than five mph.

Warnings and citations from these cameras do not count as moving violations and do not restrict police officers from issuing their own traffic citations. For further information about the speed safety camera initiative, HDOT directs individuals to their website.

Collected fines will support the automated enforcement systems program special fund used exclusively for system maintenance and operation costs. Additionally, privacy concerns mean that vehicle owners are held accountable for any recorded infractions.