Advocates has written to members of the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs in support of enactment of a provision, Section 3 of House Bill (HB) 2033, to expand automated speed enforcement (ASE). This legislation expands the ability to use ASE to all high-risk locations of a state or county roadway as determined by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
In 2024, there were an overall estimated 1021 fatalities on Hawaii roads according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which is a 10 percent increase since 2015. Additionally, 58 percent (54 people killed) of Hawaii traffic deaths in 2023 involved speeding which is the highest proportion of any state, much higher than any other state (the next highest state is 45 percent) and double the national average of 29 percent. Moreover, traffic fatalities involving speeding increased 50 percent in the state from 2014 to 2023.
Law enforcement risk their lives when performing their duties every day. Yet, it is implausible for law enforcement officers to be everywhere and catch every violation. ASE augments traditional enforcement without requiring a traffic stop and will improve safety.
Read the full letter here.