Maui cell phone ban passes first hurdle out of committee

By Wendy Osher

A cell phone ban bill advanced out of committee today and now moves on to the full council for first and second reading.  Maui is the last county in the state to consider legislation calling for the ban on use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

The bill was amended to include language to help police officers determine when drivers were using two way radios in performance and scope of their duties at work.  A second amendment passed that further prohibits new drivers with instructional permits or provisional licenses from using hands free technology to assist in the use of a device while driving.

Committee Chair Michael Molina said the focus of a new driver should be on the road and not on using electronic devices or cell phones.

The committee decided to leave out a proposed amendment relating to portable navigation and audio equipment after concerns were raised over the scope of restrictions, enforcement, and its effect on technology avialable in the future.

File photo by Wendy Osher.