REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO STUDY THE POSSIBILITY OF A HIGHWAY PATROL AND THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED CAMERAS ALONG MAJOR FREEWAYS AND HIGHWAYS IN PRIMARY AREAS OF SPEEDING, INCLUDING THE IMPACT IT WOULD HAVE ON THE DISTRICT COURTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 3 co-sponsors

HCR 43 requests a study on establishing a highway patrol and speed cameras on major highways to tackle speeding and assess impacts on district courts.

Reported from TCA/PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1940), with recommendation of referral to JDC.

#automatedspeedenforcement #dle #dot #highwaypatrol #highways #speeding #trafficsafety

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HCR 43
Title: Requesting the Department of Law Enforcement and Department of Transportation to study the possibility of a highway patrol and the installation of speed cameras along major freeways and highways in primary areas of speeding, including the impact it would have on the district courts.
Status: Reported from TCA/PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1940), with recommendation of referral to JDC.
Introduced: March 04, 2025
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject: Automated Speed Enforcement, DLE, DOT, Highway Patrol, Highways, Speeding, Traffic Safety

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HCR 43 is to initiate a comprehensive study by the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the feasibility of establishing a highway patrol and implementing speed cameras on major freeways and highways. This study aims to address persistent speeding issues in designated areas and evaluate the potential implications for district courts concerning traffic violations.

Key Provisions

Study Focus: The resolution mandates an examination of:

The establishment of a highway patrol unit.
The installation of automated speed cameras in high-speed areas.
The potential impact on district court operations related to traffic violations.

Stakeholder Involvement: The study will involve collaboration between the DLE and DOT, ensuring that both law enforcement and transportation perspectives are considered.

Affected Parties

Motorists: Drivers on major freeways and highways may be directly impacted by the introduction of speed cameras and increased law enforcement presence.

District Courts: The resolution anticipates that the findings could influence how traffic violations are processed within the court system, potentially affecting case loads and legal procedures.

Public Safety Advocates: Organizations focused on traffic safety may benefit from the findings, as they could lead to enhanced measures aimed at reducing speeding-related incidents.

Procedural Timeline

March 04, 2025: Bill introduced.

March 28, 2025: The resolution was adopted and referred to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee (JHA).

April 01, 2025: The JHA committee recommended the measure be passed unamended.

April 04, 2025: The bill was referred to the Transportation Committee (TRN) and JHA.

April 11, 2025: The TCA committee recommended the measure be passed unamended, and it was subsequently reported from TCA/PSM with a recommendation for referral to JDC.

April 17, 2025: The report was adopted and referred to the Judiciary Committee (JDC).

Conclusion

HCR 43 represents a proactive approach to addressing speeding on major highways through the potential establishment of a highway patrol and the use of automated speed enforcement. The study's findings could significantly influence traffic safety measures and the judicial handling of traffic violations, aiming to enhance public safety on the roads.

Bill