HONOLULU -- Race car enthusiasts on Saturday enlisted the help of the lieutenant governor to film a public service announcement aimed at curbing racing on Oahu's streets, but those with a need for speed have an underlying goal. They want the state to help them acquire the now defunct Hawaii Raceway Park.

Speeding causes almost half of the deaths on state highways, and street racing is an increasing problem, according to Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, who went before a camera for an announcement to warn racers to stay off the streets.

"It is not the place to race -- not on the street. Save it for the track. I know we have a little issue with the track, but its not on the street," Aiona said.

With Hawaii Raceway park closed since last year, the only legitimate place to race is at Aloha Stadium.

But after a November event, the stadium parking lot will no longer be available to racers. Hawaii Raceway Park at Campbell Industrial Park used to be Oahu's track but it's slated to become an industrial park.

"Honolulu County is the only county that doesn't have a race track, so it is pretty sad if you think about it," Aiona said.

The racers have tried unsuccessfully for two years to get the city to help them keep the track at Campbell Industrial Park. Now they are turning to the state instead for help.

Les Vallarano has been racing for 30 years,

"With the next upcoming legislative session, we hope to enter a bill to acquire the raceway park at the state level if the city refuses to acquire the park," he said.

"When Hawaii Raceway Park was opened, you don't have the street racing gangs going around numbering 40 to 100 cars every weekend looking for a place to race. That's a proven fact right now," said Tracy Arakaki of Punish Um Motor Sports

Aiona said Gov. Linda Lingle's administration wants to help the racers find a track.