Gov. Linda Lingle has called for stiffer penalties for motorists who violate the state's crosswalk laws after an 89-year-old Kane'ohe man was struck by a pickup truck and killed as he crossed Kamehameha Highway.

Lingle said on Friday her administration will introduce legislation next year that she said will include stronger deterrents against violating the law. The stricter penalties may include suspension or revocation of a driver's license and increased fines, she said.

Under the law, motorists ticketed for crosswalk violations pay $97 if they don't want to go to court. If found guilty in court, a judge has the discretion to impose a fine of up to $200 for first offense within a year, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third.

Early Thursday morning, William Kobashigawa was crossing Kamehameha Highway near the Kane'ohe Star Market when he was hit by a pickup truck. Kobashigawa was taken to the Castle Medical Center where he died.

Police said speed may have been a factor in the accident and that Kobashigawa was in a crosswalk when he was struck.

"As a community, we cannot allow this type of reckless driving to continue," Lingle said. "We want to send a message to all drivers that if they put pedestrians at risk, or worse, injure or kill someone who is just trying to cross the street, there will be a heavy price to pay."

No arrests have been made in Thursday's fatality.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.