Hawai'i ranks among the highest in the nation for pedestrian fatalities and other traffic deaths, statistics that suggest strongly that the state needs to take action.

House Bill 145 offers one worthwhile approach that suffered an untimely demise about six years ago: authorizing cameras at key intersections to deter drivers from running red lights. Vehicles would be photographed and the citation sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.

The measure fortunately survived its first major hurdle this week. It moves on to the Judiciary Committee, where discussion to fill in some of the blanks should continue.

For example, the panel should find out what added workload can be expected by the Judiciary, which would process the citations. And although the allotment for startup expenses has been left blank for now, lawmakers should see estimates based on what typical systems in other cities cost. Once equipment is installed, the citation fines make it self-supporting.

The House Transportation Committee has amended the bill so that revenue from the fines, ranging from $90 to $200, would be collected by the counties rather than deposited in the state's general fund. This makes sense: It's the counties that would be conducting the enforcement.

Experience in other cities suggests that the cameras produce results. A study conducted in Philadelphia, for example, showed a 42 percent decrease in red-light running after cameras were installed at nine intersections.

Insurance experts testified this week that reductions in injuries and fatalities with the camera systems outweigh the losses from rear-end crashes, which can increase as drivers stop short to avoid being snapped in the intersection.

A law passed in 1998 authorized the use of such cameras along with a speeding enforcement program known as the "van cams." The red-light system was never rolled out and, when the van-cam program proved controversial, the enabling law was repealed.

Van-cam operators sparked controversy because speeding tickets were issued with very little leeway given, for exceeding the limit only slightly.

The red-light camera system ought to avoid most such complaints because most drivers who enter an intersection safely have time to clear it before the light turns red.

Some commercial drivers rightly point out that larger vehicles need more time. The bill could be improved by urging county authorities to lengthen the yellow-light signal. Giving drivers more time to cross would enhance safety, and at minimal cost.

Budget cuts may limit the initial rollout, but the state should at least make a start on a program that has such potential to improve Hawai'i's appalling traffic safety record.