House Concurrent Resolution 43 (HD1) asking the Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Transportation to study a state highway patrol and the installation of speed cameras on major freeways, including high‑speed corridors such as H‑1, passed committee on April 11, 2025.

Why it matters: The study could inform whether Hawaii moves toward a dedicated highway patrol and automated speed enforcement, and it would examine impacts on district courts, enforcement protocols and public safety.

Testimony and discussion: The Department of Transportation filed written comments and testified in support. Community commenters proposed models used in other countries, citing automated enforcement to reduce court burden; written support came from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and other stakeholders. One senator recorded a “no” on the committee floor during roll call.

Committee action and outcome: Chairs recommended passage as is; the joint committee adopted the recommendation in roll call votes. The transcript records at least one no vote (Senator Descartes recorded as a no in the TCA roll call notation). The study directive will be sent to the named agencies for analysis and reporting.

Next steps: The Departments of Law Enforcement and Transportation must study feasibility, impacts on courts and enforcement, and report findings back to the committees per the resolution’s instructions.

Ending: The committees advanced the study mandate; implementation will depend on departmental analysis and any legislative or budgetary follow‑up.