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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, October 24, 2002

Cell phone ban while driving advances

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

In the Honolulu City Council yesterday, the Transportation Committee advanced a bill that would require drivers to use hands-free technology if they talk on the phone while driving. Councilman John Henry Felix introduced the bill in January, but this was the first time it was heard in committee.

"It's come to the point where everybody has a cell phone in their hand 24 hours a day," committee chairwoman Darrlyn Bunda said. "The basic intent is to encourage safe driving on the road and not to restrict phone usage."

Councilman Duke Bainum was the only committee member to vote against advancing the bill, arguing that there is not enough evidence to support the argument that cell phones cause more accidents than other distractions, an argument also put forth in testimony by Rick Tsujimuri of T-Mobile.

Gary Slovin, of Verizon Wireless, said the phone company supported the bill in concept, but said it should be enacted on the state level and should be given three years to phase in.

The public may comment at the Nov. 13 council meeting.