Posted on: Friday, March 4, 2005

Bill fines drivers using cell phones

By Tara Godvin
Associated Press

Motorists who chat on their cellular phones while stuck in Hawai'i's traffic may soon need to think of investing in a headset.

Anyone caught driving while using a hand-held cell phone would be subject to a $200 fine under a bill that passed out of the House yesterday.

The measure includes an exemption for those making calls because of an emergency.

Some lawmakers questioned the need for the bill.

It's already illegal to drive inattentively in Hawai'i, said Rep. Galen Fox, R-23rd (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka'ako), speaking in opposition to the bill on the floor of the House.

Holding a phone or speaking through a handsfree device are just as distracting as a host of other activities such as eating, drinking or changing a CD, he said.

"All of these are distractions that can endanger the lives of others," Fox said.

Rep. Corrine Ching, R-27th (Liliha, Pu'unui), said the problem isn't cell phone use, it's distracted driving.

She said a better solution would be promoting traffic safety and public education.

Rep. Joe Souki, a co-sponsor of the bill, called arguments comparing cell phone use to eating at the wheel "frivolous." Holding a cell phone to one's ear while driving requires a much higher degree of concentration than "munching on a hamburger," he said.

Other states have either adopted or are expected to consider similar legislation, he said.

"The fact is you have millions of people now having cell phones and they're all on the road. ... The potential for danger grows every day," said Souki, D-8th (Wailuku, Waiehu).

Hawai'i is one of 15 states this year seeking to tighten regulations against the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia already prohibit talking on hand-held cell phones while driving, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Some communities, such as Brookline, Mass. and Santa Fe, N.M., require hands-free cell phones.

Rep. Barbara Marumoto, R-19th (Kaimuki, Kahala, Wai'alae Iki), said the Legislature should do everything it can to increase traffic safety.

"I can remember when there was a battle over seat belts. And there were opponents who said that it would wrinkle their clothes and they were very unhappy with that requirement. But it saved many lives," she said.