Representative Joseph Souki is once again fighting to send a strong message to excessive speeders.
He's introduced HB 2789, which would allow counties to install cameras in areas where excessive speeding is a problem.
"It's to save lives, because speed kills," he says. "australia has it, Europe has it, Arizona, New Mexico, no it's not a new idea."
It's certainly not a new idea here at home either. Many may remember In 2002 when van cams started snapping pictures of speeders and sending them a ticket - a move that drew intense opposition from the community.
"My immediate reaction was uh oh, here's the van cams again," says Representative Karl Rhoads.
But, Rep. Souki says the bill he drafted this year is different. This time, the cameras would be set up at fixed locations, most likely attached to a pole or post. Signs and other official traffic-control devices would also warn drivers the cameras are ahead.
"If it's characterized as a return of van cams my guess is there will be a lot of people in opposition, if its characterized hey there are certain spots we need to keep speed under control because people's lives are in danger my guess is there will be support for it," says Rep. Rhoads.
Reaction from drivers and the public is split...
"I think it will make people more cautious that people are watching, and I feel more comfortable about that," said Honolulu resident Mike Young.
The House Transportation committee agrees and recommended Wednesday the bill be passed.
But, the State Public Defender says money would be better spent increasing police presence on our highways.
"It's an invasion of privacy, it's a nanny state, it's looking over our shoulder everything we do," said Honolulu resident Tom Montali.
"What I'm concerned about is the saving of lives and the passage of this bill, it will be an uphill battle," says Rep. Souki.
Rep. Souki is also pushing for cameras that catch red light runners, a bill the House Transportation Committee is unanimously in favor of.
