HB 334: RELATING TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Traffic cameras; penalties.  (a)  Any person who knowingly destroys or damages a traffic camera shall be guilty of a class C felony.

     (b)  For the purposes of this section, "traffic camera" means any camera owned and operated by a state or county agency."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Traffic Cameras; Penalties

Description:

Establishes that intentional destruction or damage to a traffic camera is a class C felony.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to traffic citations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-    Traffic cameras.  (a)  The department of law enforcement may establish and implement any traffic camera to impose monetary liability on the registered owner of a motor vehicle for failure to comply with traffic-related laws.  The department of law enforcement may provide for the:

     (1)  Procurement, location, and oversight of any traffic camera; and

     (2)  Installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of any traffic camera through a third party contractor.

Where any traffic camera affects state property, the department of law enforcement shall cooperate with and assist the county as needed to install, maintain, and repair any traffic camera established pursuant to this section.

     (b)  If the department of law enforcement establishes any traffic camera under this section, the compensation paid by the department to a manufacturer or vendor of the equipment used shall be based upon the value of the equipment and services provided or rendered in support of any traffic camera, and shall not be based upon a portion of the fine or civil penalty imposed or the revenue generated by the equipment.

     (c)  The department of law enforcement may issue a citation by first class mail for any violation of traffic laws that do not mandate the physical arrest of violators within ten calendar days from the time of the incident for motor vehicles disregarding traffic laws.

     (d)  At least sixty days prior to traffic cameras becoming operational, the department of law enforcement, in conjunction with any county that implements traffic cameras pursuant to this section, shall conduct a comprehensive informational and educational campaign to inform motorists and the general public about the traffic cameras.

     (e)  During the first thirty days of operation of any traffic camera in a particular traffic area, a warning shall be issued for any violation of traffic laws that do not mandate the physical arrest of violators, and mailed to the registered owner of the motor vehicle at the address on record at the vehicle licensing division, in lieu of a summons or citation pursuant to subsection (c).

     (f)  Any person who knowingly destroys or damages a traffic camera shall be guilty of a class C felony.

     (g)  For the purposes of this section, "traffic camera" means any camera owned and operated under the authority of the department of law enforcement."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DLE; Traffic Cameras; Citations; Mail; Motor Vehicles; Traffic Code

Description:

Authorizes the Department of Law Enforcement to establish traffic cameras and issue a citation by mail for certain violations of traffic-related laws.  Establishes that intentional destruction or damage to a traffic camera is a class C felony.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  705

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 334

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 334 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC CITATIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Department of Law Enforcement to establish traffic cameras and issue citations by mail for certain violations of traffic-related laws.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Policing Project; ACLU of Hawai‘i; and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary.

     Your Committee finds that traffic violations continue to pose significant safety risks across the State and the use of traffic cameras has proven effective in other jurisdictions for improving compliance with traffic laws and reducing collisions.  However, your Committee notes that there are existing programs that already accomplish the intent of this measure.

     Your Committee acknowledges the critical importance of safeguarding state and county property utilized in the regulation and enforcement of traffic safety laws due to the vital role in maintaining public safety and ensuring the effective functioning of traffic management systems.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have authorized the Department of Law Enforcement to establish and implement any traffic camera, issue traffic citations, and provide motorists with educational and informational materials;

     (2)  Amending the definition of "traffic camera" to include any camera owned and operated by a state or county agency;

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 334, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 334, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,