HONOLULU -- The state said it is finally making some headway on collecting millions of dollars in unpaid traffic tickets from delinquent drivers.

The state is using a collection agency and a switch from manual processing to electronic processing of tickets.

Nearly $4 million has been collected so far.

It could be a fine for a traffic violation or a parking ticket, but if you have not paid what you owe, don't be surprised if you get a letter or a phone call from a collection agency.

The state said Hawaii residents make up 85 percent of the deadbeats, out-of-state visitors make up the remaining 15 percent.

"We did think there would be a larger percentage of tourists who, like you say, would get a ticket and not pay attention to it, thinking they won't bother me at home, and that's not the case," said Patrick Swanick of MSB Government Services.

The collection company said it can down track tourists or out-of-towners, often through their rental car company.

"We will bring the rental car company into the whole case because we know they can charge the renter's credit card for any violation that is incurred when that car was rented," Swanick said.

The judiciary turned over $26 million in debt to MSB Government Services.

Initially collection was slow. That has changed, now thanks to a switch from manual to electronic processing of tickets.

"We think the judiciary and the four circuit courts will be able to collect about 20 percent in the next six months," Swanick said.

The state said it cost about $50,000 to set up the new judiciary information management system and it has since seen a dramatic jump in collections.

You can check the status of your parking tickets or traffic infractions online at the Hawaii Judiciary's Web site.