LIHU‘E — A bill that would make it illegal for Kaua‘i drivers to use handheld electronic devices when behind the wheel was introduced and unanimously passed first reading during last week’s regular meeting of the Kaua‘i County Council. Bill No.
LIHU‘E — A bill that would make it illegal for Kaua‘i drivers to use handheld electronic devices when behind the wheel was introduced and unanimously passed first reading during last week’s regular meeting of the Kaua‘i County Council.
Bill No. 2336 is scheduled for public hearing on Dec. 2 and will be referred to the council’s Public Safety/Energy/Inter-governmental Relations Committee, chaired by the bill’s author, Councilman Derek Kawakami.
The bill, if approved, would amend the traffic code by adding a new section stating that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device, unless used with a hands-free device.”
Emergency 911 calls will be allowed, the proposed ordinance says, and emergency responders, drivers using two-way radios for work-related duties and drivers with amateur radio operator licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission will be exempted.
The bill defines “mobile electronic device” to include cell phones, text messaging devices, pagers, digital assistants, laptop computers, video games and cameras, but does not include audio equipment or navigation systems, or any video systems for passengers in the rear seats.
The first reading last week garnered minimal public testimony, with one member of the public suggesting that the maximum fine of $50 is too low to effectively discourage the unwanted, unsafe behavior.
Honolulu’s already-in-effect ban has a maximum fine of $67 for the first offense, and the Big Island’s ordinance, which passed earlier this year and goes into effect in January, will charge up to $150 for each violation and up to $500 if the device causes a crash.
Maui is also currently considering a bill that would go into effect in January, Kawakami said last month.
A pair of other bills passed first reading on Nov. 4.
Bill No. 2337, relating to limitation of taxes on property used for long-term affordable rental, and Bill No. 2338, which would revise a project description in the general fund and designate $1 million in the capital budget for affordable housing, will both be referred to the Budget and Finance Committee after public hearings on Dec. 2.
For more information and meeting agendas, visit www.kauai.gov.
• Michael Levine, assistant news editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mlevine@kauaipubco.com.
