HONOLULU (KHON2) — Lawmakers say speeding is the leading cause of traffic fatalities on the islands. They’re looking at ways to curb those numbers this legislative session.

Increased traffic and speeding throughout the state are making roads more dangerous, according to officials. A senate committee on March 10 passed a resolution aimed at making roads safer. It would ask the Hawaii Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to look at the possibility of a highway patrol and speed cameras along major freeways and highways.

“There’s a lot of racing and speeding going on that occurs from 11 p.m. to sometimes 2 a.m. in the mornings, usually on the weekends, sometimes during the weekdays,” stated Senator Brandon Elefante. “This is one approach to take a look to see what we can do to have enforcement to be responsible for state highways and state freeways.”

Lawmakers said over the past five years, nearly 236 deaths on the highway were attributed to speed. In 2023, speeding caused 60% of fatal traffic crashes.

“We know that departments are understaffed. They’re tasked with so much to do. This would complement so that the Honolulu Police Department could go focus on other areas where is needed in the communities.”

The resolution will now move on to a floor vote.