MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that officers will begin to issue traffic citations next month for motorists who use an electronic mobile device while driving.

In August, the Hawai’i County Council passed County Ordinance 09-82A, which will make it illegal to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving—except with a hands-free mechanism. The ordinance was signed into law by the mayor. It takes effect on January 1.

The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $150 dollars. The fine can go up to as much as $500 if the use of a mobile electronic device causes a collision.

The penalties will not apply to:

• emergency responders using a mobile electronic device in the performance of their job.
• drivers using two-way radios for work-related duties.
• drivers holding a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the FCC and using half-duplex two-way radio.

The ban includes but is not limited to:

• cell phones.
• text messaging devices.
• paging devices.
• personal digital assistants.
• laptop computers.
• video games.
• digital cameras.

It does not include audio equipment or equipment installed in a vehicle to provide navigation or emergency assistance to the driver, or video entertainment for back-seat passengers.

According to the ordinance, the use of a cell phone to make an emergency 911 call shall be an “affirmative defense.” That means it is not illegal to make a 911 call on a cell phone but a driver who claims to have been doing so might still be cited and have to prove that a legitimate 911 call was made.

Police urge the public to be aware of this new law. It is designed to reduce driver distraction and make our roadways safer.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that officers will begin to issue traffic citations in January for motorists who use an electronic mobile device while driving.

In August, the Hawai’i County Council passed County Ordinance 09-82A, which will make it illegal to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving—except with a hands-free mechanism. The ordinance was signed into law by the mayor. It takes effect on January 1, 2010.

The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $150 dollars. The fine can go up to as much as $500 if the use of a mobile electronic device causes a collision.

The penalties will not apply to:

• emergency responders using a mobile electronic device in the performance of their job.
• drivers using two-way radios for work-related duties.
• drivers holding a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the FCC and using half-duplex two-way radio.

The ban includes but is not limited to:

• cell phones.
• text messaging devices.
• paging devices.
• personal digital assistants.
• laptop computers.
• video games.
• digital cameras.

It does not include audio equipment or equipment installed in a vehicle to provide navigation or emergency assistance to the driver, or video entertainment for back-seat passengers.

According to the ordinance, the use of a cell phone to make an emergency 911 call shall be an “affirmative defense.” That means it is not illegal to make a 911 call on a cell phone but a driver who claims to have been doing so might still be cited and have to prove that a legitimate 911 call was made.

Police urge the public to be aware of this new law. It is designed to reduce driver distraction and make our roadways safer.

MEDIA RELEASE

Police are advising the public officers will begin to issue traffic citations in January for motorists who use an electronic mobile device while driving.

In August, the County Council passed County Ordinance 09-82A, which will make it illegal to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving—except with a hands-free mechanism. The ordinance was signed into law by the mayor. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2010.

The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $150 dollars. The fine can go up to as much as $500 if the use of a mobile electronic device causes a collision.

The penalties will not apply to:

• emergency responders using a mobile electronic device in the performance of their job.
• drivers using two-way radios for work-related duties.
• drivers holding a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the FCC and using half-duplex two-way radio.

The ban includes but is not limited to:

• cell phones
• text messaging devices
• paging devices
• personal digital assistants
• laptop computers
• video games
• digital cameras

It does not include audio equipment or equipment installed in a vehicle to provide navigation or emergency assistance to the driver, or video entertainment for back-seat passengers.

According to the ordinance, the use of a cell phone to make an emergency 911 call shall be an “affirmative defense.” That means it is not illegal to make a 911 call on a cell phone but a driver who claims to have been doing so might still be cited and have to prove that a legitimate 911 call was made.

Police urge the public to be aware of this new law. It is designed to reduce driver distraction and make our roadways safer.

MEDIA RELEASE

Mayor Billy Kenoi yesterday signed an ordinance into law that mandates the use of a hands-free device when using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

Bill 66, introduced by Hawai‘i County Councilman Pete Hoffmann, was adopted by the Council on June 16. The signed ordinance was delivered to the County Clerk’s office today.

Starting January 1, 2010, the new law requires motorists to use a hands-free device when using a mobile electronic device while driving. Violators may be fined up to $150 per offense. Anyone causing a collision with injury or damage while using a mobile electronic device while driving without hands-free equipment may be fined up to $500 per offense.

“Many people will have to change their behavior as a result of this legislation including me,” said Mayor Kenoi. “But if it saves lives, prevents injuries and property damage, using a hands-free device is a small price to pay.”

Exemptions to the law include emergency responders using a mobile electronic device for a 911 emergency call, drivers using two-way radios in the performance and scope of their work-related duties, and drivers holding valid amateur radio operator licenses issued by the FCC.

Hawai‘i County police will help make the public aware of the new ordinance before it takes effect.