Two Hawaii lawmakers are pushing legislation that would require drivers to keep their hands off cell phones.
HB49 and HB733 would prohibit hand-held cell phone use while driving. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” device would still be permitted.
Under HB49, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Souki, D-8th District, a driver stopped for using a hand-held phone could be fined up to $100. Under HB733, sponsored by Rep. Bertha Kawakami, D-16th District, the fine could be $45. The bills would exempt emergency calls.
For Kawakami, the legislation is a safety issue.
“The use of a cellular phone while driving poses great risk to the health and safety of both motorists and pedestrians,” she wrote.
Kawakami referenced a 1997 report concluding the risk of collision is four times greater for a driver using a cellular phone.
“This risk is equivalent to operation of a motor vehicle while legally intoxicated,” she said.
