In the Hawaii Senate, Advocates supports Section 3 of House Bill (HB) 2033, to expand the ability to use automated speed enforcement (ASE) at all high-risk locations of a state or county roadway as determined by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. We also support Section 7 of HB 2033, to authorize installation of cameras on school bus stop arms.
In 2024, there were an overall estimated 102 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 and double the national average of 29 percent.
Speed safety cameras are verified to deter speeding and its impact and are recommended for adoption by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), among others.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.
Additionally, drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus is a known hazard. Nationally, an estimated 39 million illegal school bus passings occur each year, putting children in danger during the most vulnerable part of their trip—the moments they are boarding or exiting the bus.15 The NTSB has identified school bus stop arm cameras as an effective strategy to reduce violations and enhance student safety.16 Advocates urges you to support Sections 3 and 7 of HB 2033 to save lives.
Read the full letter here.
We previously advocated for the bill before the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.