Legislative traffic
cam measures advance

House and Senate committees
approve changes to the law

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By Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.com

The debate over the state's controversial traffic camera is now headed for the floors of the state House and Senate.

The House Finance Committee gave the green light yesterday to House Bill 2167, which proposes modifications to the program targeting speeders and red-light runners.

The bill, approved without changes, was opposed by Republicans Jim Rath (North Kona), Mark Moses (Kapolei) and House Minority Floor Leader Charles Djou (Kaneohe).

House Finance Chairman Dwight Takamine (D, North Hilo) said that he recognizes the bill is a "work in progress."

On Monday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 2077, which proposes getting rid of the traffic cameras.

The House bill calls for the current law to be repealed and then replaced by a new law with modifications that would take effect July 1.

Supporters of the House measure, including the state administration, say the traffic camera vans have done a good job in curbing speeding. The red-light cameras are not operating yet.

The proposed modifications in the House bill include paying a camera vendor a flat fee instead of a portion of each fine and prohibiting insurance companies from raising premiums based on speeding citations.

Djou said that if changes are made to the program, he would like to see them take effect next year instead of this year. Moses said he believes sections of the bill are unconstitutional.

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