Hawaii's Camera Program Expands Slowly Amid Concerns

Hawaii's traffic camera program is being expanded cautiously, with an average of 10 new intersections added each year to manage system capacity. Currently, citations are issued only for extreme speeding, not minor infractions, to prevent overwhelming the judiciary. This approach ensures focus on the most dangerous drivers.

The transportation department has awarded a 10-year, $160 million contract to Verra Mobility to operate and maintain the camera system. While the judiciary can process existing citations, a significant increase in volume could pose operational challenges. The program has shown promising results, including a 70% reduction in major crashes at 10 urban Honolulu intersections and a 62% decrease in red-light running.

However, concerns have been raised about the program's equity. Fines range from $97 for red-light violations to $317 for speeding, potentially burdening low-income households. Some lawmakers have noted a concentration of cameras in working-class neighborhoods, leading to a disproportionate cost for local residents. Proposals to expand camera use for expired registrations were recently killed in the Senate.