Hawaii Traffic Cameras: Do They Exist?

Hawaii is one of 26 states that does not use automated traffic enforcement on public roads. However, Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, has recently introduced red light traffic cameras that issue citations. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has also expanded its network of cameras to Maui and Leeward Oahu, providing real-time images of traffic conditions at key intersections. These cameras are for monitoring traffic and not for enforcing traffic violations.

Honolulu's red light cameras

Hawaii is one of 26 states that does not use automated traffic enforcement on its public roads. However, in 2020, Act 30 (20) authorized a two-year pilot program to determine if automated enforcement of red-light running could reduce crashes and injuries.

Honolulu is the first city in Hawaii to implement a red-light safety program. The Honolulu Red-Light Safety Program began in February 2022 when the HDOT and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services selected potential intersections for the pilot program based on crash and traffic data. The first two red-light cameras were installed in September 2022 at the Vineyard Boulevard and Pālama Street intersection and the Vineyard Boulevard and Liliha Street intersection.

The final red-light camera for the pilot program was installed in May 2023, bringing the total number of cameras in urban Honolulu intersections to 10. The cameras are all located at intersections with a history of high crash rates. The full list of intersections with red-light cameras is as follows:

• Vineyard Boulevard and Pālama Street
• Vineyard Boulevard and Liliha Street
• Vineyard Boulevard and Nuʻuanu Avenue
• Pali Highway and Vineyard Boulevard
• Pali Highway and School Street
• Likelike Highway and School Street
• King Street and Ward Avenue
• Kapiʻolani Boulevard and Kamakeʻe Street
• Beretania Street and Piʻikoi Street
• McCully Street and Algaroba Street

The red-light safety program will run for two years to determine whether or not the cameras reduce crashes and injuries caused by running red lights. The project officially began when all 10 cameras were issuing traffic tickets. The tickets will follow the car owners, not the drivers, and the fine for a first-time red-light running violation is up to $200.

Traffic cameras on GoAkamai

Hawaii is one of 26 states that does not use automated traffic enforcement on its public roads. However, the state has been working to implement traffic cameras to improve road safety.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has expanded its network of cameras to include Maui and Leeward Oahu, providing real-time images of traffic conditions at key intersections. These cameras are accessible to the public through the GoAkamai.org website, where users can click on the "Cameras" tab or scroll over the map of Maui and click on specific intersections.

The HDOT has also modernized traffic signal systems at all 82 existing signalized intersections on Maui, allowing for connectivity between signals and the setup of a cloud-based Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). This system includes controllers, a travel time system, cellular communications, conflict monitor units, and system monitors, enabling the HDOT to optimize traffic signal timing remotely.

The traffic cameras on GoAkamai are installed at 10 Maui intersections, with the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom. These cameras are not used for traffic violations but rather for monitoring traffic conditions and helping commuters plan their routes to avoid congested areas. The HDOT is working to expand the system to include more state roadways on neighbouring islands.

In addition to the Maui cameras, GoAkamai.org also features 200 traffic cameras located around Oahu. The website provides valuable tools for both commuters and state officials to manage and navigate the roadway system more efficiently.

Hawaii's automated traffic enforcement

Hawaii is one of 26 states that does not use automated traffic enforcement on its public roads. However, in 2022, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services began a two-year pilot program to determine if automated enforcement of red-light running could reduce crashes and injuries. The first Honolulu red-light camera started issuing citations in November 2022, with a second camera beginning to ticket drivers in December 2022.

The pilot program was initiated after Act 131 was introduced in the 2019 Legislature. This act established a red-light running committee made up of representatives from the courts, public defender's office, state highway safety council, county police departments, prosecutors' offices, state and county transportation agencies, and community traffic safety advocates. Based on the committee's recommendations, Act 30 (2020) authorized the two-year pilot program.

The HDOT and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services selected potential intersections for the pilot based on crash and traffic data. The first two intersections chosen were Vineyard Boulevard and Pālama Street, and Vineyard Boulevard and Liliha Street. As of April 2023, there were plans to install cameras at several other intersections, including Vineyard Boulevard and Nuʻuanu Avenue, Pali Highway and Vineyard Boulevard, and Pali Highway and School Street.

The process for issuing citations begins with an incident being captured by the system, which records and encrypts multiple still images, video, and data relating to the potential red-light violation. This data is then transferred to a vendor processing center for preliminary screening. Only potential violations are sent forward for additional screening by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), which makes the final decision to approve or reject the violation. If a violation is approved, the registered owner of the motor vehicle receives a citation in the mail within 10 days of the incident. They can then review the data on an online portal, where they can submit payments, questions, evidence explaining or denying the violation, and court hearing requests.

While Hawaii currently only has red-light safety cameras, there is a push by the incoming state Transportation Department chief to install speed enforcement cameras as well. This idea is expected to face headwinds due to the history of remote speed enforcement on Oahu, particularly the failure of van-mounted speed cameras in 2002. However, with improved technology and the apparent acceptance of red-light cameras, it seems likely that speed cameras will be implemented in the future, especially on rural roads where speed-related deaths are a significant issue.

Honolulu's traffic information

Honolulu, Hawaii, has over 90 city traffic cameras, providing real-time traffic information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) provides a Traffic Information Page with numerous resources for staying up-to-date on traffic conditions. The page includes links to the State Department of Transportation's weekly lane closure information, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit updates, and the HNL.Info App for traffic alerts, weather advisories, and public safety event updates.

The HPD Traffic Information Page also offers a Honolulu Street Usage feature, which provides information on street usage permits for major events, parades, and construction projects. Additionally, the page allows users to view traffic cameras throughout the island of Oahu. These cameras can also be accessed through the GoAkamai website. Windows streaming video software or Microsoft Windows Media Player is required to view the camera footage.

Honolulu's traffic management also includes a Red-Light Safety Program, addressing red-light running, a significant cause of crashes and injuries. While Hawaii does not use automated traffic enforcement on its public roads, the Red-Light Safety Program includes the use of cameras at selected intersections. These cameras capture images and videos of potential red-light violations, which are then reviewed by the Honolulu Police Department.

For those seeking the latest traffic news, road closures, accidents, and traffic jams in Honolulu, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser provides up-to-date information on its website. The site offers details on recent collisions, injuries, and fatalities, as well as road closures due to construction or repairs.

Maui traffic camera images

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has expanded its network of cameras to Maui, providing real-time images of traffic conditions at key intersections. The Maui traffic camera images are available on the GoAkamai.org website. To access the images, click on the "Cameras" tab and search for "Maui". Alternatively, you can scroll over the map of Maui and click on the camera icon at the specific intersection.

The camera installation was completed to monitor traffic conditions and provide additional tools for the state and counties to manage the roadway system. The cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom, offering a comprehensive view of the traffic situation. With this technology, the Highways Division and their county partners can adjust their strategies in real-time to accommodate changing traffic conditions.

The Maui traffic cameras are installed at ten intersections:

• Haleakala Highway and Hana Highway
• Honoapiilani Highway and North Kihei Road
• Kuihelani Highway and Puunene Avenue
• Airport Access Road and Hana Highway
• Piilani Highway and Piikea Street
• Maui Veterans Highway and North Kihei Road
• Kaahumanu Avenue and Kahului Beach Road
• Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue
• Haleakala Highway and Kula Highway
• Honoapiilani Highway and Keawe Street

The Kuihelani/Puunene intersection will have two cameras installed, with an expected completion date of the end of 2019. These cameras are an invaluable resource for commuters, helping them plan their routes and avoid congested or problematic areas.

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