Lawmakers push to create statewide cell phone ban

It’s been four years since Oahu’s cell phone ban while driving went into effect.

And now, all counties in Hawaii have a similar law.

But lawmakers want to take it one step further and create a state law.

The DOT says you need to have a state law in order to get federal funds — money that will help pay for more enforcement, and educational public service announcements.

We stood at the corner of Nuuanu and Beretania for a little while, and were pleasantly surprised to see that most drivers weren’t talking or texting on their phones.

But we did catch a couple of them.

It’s against city law to hold your phone while driving.

"I think it’s a good law. I think people need to wear a headset to keep them from being distracted while they drive," Downtown Honolulu resident Haden Kirkpatrick.

And even though we didn’t see a lot of people breaking the law, statistics show otherwise.

Honolulu police issued at least 68 mobile electronic device citations just between March 7 and March 13 — citations that carry a $147 fine.

"It’s a huge problem. And texting is a problem, you know people texting and driving and talking on their phones," said Caroline Sluyter, State Dept. Of Transportation Spokesperson.

"Usually when I see someone driving poorly they’re talking on their cell phone," said Kirkpatrick.

A bill that would create a state law passed out of two Senate committees on Monday.

But lawmakers followed the request of the Public Defender, nd took out the line that said that second and third offenses would result in a license suspension.

HPD, the DOT, and State Highway Safety Council all submitted testimony in support of the bill.

"If we have a statewide law, there can be more enforcement for the distracted driving laws. The way the grants work is similar to Click-it-or-Ticket. So it’s national money that come for the program and the different law enforcement agencies can apply for grants and can help us do enforcement," said Sluyter.

And if the bill is passed, all counties would be under one cell phone ban, since there are some differences between the county laws.

Next step: HB980 has to go before the full senate for second reading, and then also pass out of the Ways and Means committee.

And on Tuesday, Governor Abercrombie plans to hold a press conference, proclaiming April as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Hawaii.