Hawaii Lawmakers Push for Expanded Traffic Cameras

Hawaii lawmakers are pushing to expand automated traffic cameras beyond speeding and red light tickets to also catch drivers with expired safety.

Checks and vehicle registrations House bill

2033, a broad transportation package got initial house approval earlier this month and would allow cameras at more.

High-risk intersections across state and county roads.

These high-tech systems are already running at 10 downtown Honolulu spots, issuing citations since November 1st for speeders and red light runners.

The bill would add cameras on school buses to record drivers who pass them illegally when lights are flashing for kids getting on or off.

State transportation officials say higher resolution cameras would handle the new enforcement starting with warnings before real tickets.

Supporters like Representative Nathaniel Kiela point to outdated stickers from as far back as 2009 or 2016, raising risks in.

Crashers were drivers vanish due to bad contact info.

He also backs a separate measure to impound cars with registrations expired over three years.

Critics worry about privacy and fairness noting cameras might hit low income areas harder and lack rules on data storage or access.

Transportation leaders credit the tech for cutting accidents elsewhere and plan placements based on crash data, not neighborhoods.

They stress cameras only capture violators with limited access to footage by officials and contractors.

The Senate committees recently approved the bill with changes after hearings, sending it to judiciary and budget panels next.

This could mean broader enforcement soon if it clears the full legislature.

That's the story for today.

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