New Honolulu Cell Phone Ban Introduced

No cell phones, no Blackberry’s, no video games, no cameras. A new bill at the
Honolulu City Council would ban drivers from even holding a mobile electronic
device while the engine is running.

Five states and the District of Columbia have already banned using a cell
phone and driving and Hawaii could be the next.

Take a look around and you'll see a lot of multi-tasking, also known as
driving while talking on the phone even though a lot of people agree it is
distracting.

"I seen the other day a lady on her cell phone and she was backing out of her
parking stall and backed right into the car behind her going down the road but
it was all because she was on her phone not watching what she was doing," said
Richard Jones, who favors a ban.

The city council just approved a ban on texting and video gaming while
driving. It stems from a Honolulu city bus driver caught playing games while
behind the wheel.

"The activity he actually did was not illegal and that's profoundly,
profoundly dangerous," said Honolulu Councilmember Charles Djou, Hawaii Kai.
Now Councilmember Rod Tam, who was the only member to vote against Djou’s
texting ban, has now introduced his own version banning the use of all mobile
electronic devices while driving. Basically if you don't have both hands on the
steering wheel you can't use a cell phone.

"People are just not paying attention to their driving, its reckless
driving," said Councilmember Rod Tam, Downtown Honolulu, Liliha.

But Djou asks where do you draw the line? If you ban cell phones why not ban
eating or smoking while driving.

"The problem is the city council and the state legislature has considered it
numerous times before and we've never been able to pass it," said Djou.

But Rod Tam is confident this time will be different. From the sound of it so
does some of the public.

"I think it's difficult to enforce but at least it puts it to the mindset and
the forefront that it’s for safety reasons," said Jan Yamamoto, favors ban.

"I'm for it if there's a law against it. I think it's good," said Richard
Jones, favors ban.

If nothing else the subject is something to talk about just not while you're
driving.

As for the texting and gaming ban already approved, it goes to Mayor Mufi
Hannemann’s desk to sign or veto. His spokesperson says the mayor hasn't made up
his mind what he'll do. However, it could be veto proof since seven members of
the council support the law.
Written by Tim Sakahara