cell phone ban

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- At Hickam Air Force Base, drivers should know better than to drive while talking on a cell phone or be stopped by security forces. As of July 1, drivers are not allowed to talk on phones without a hands-free system while driving Oahu roads. (Photo by Jay Parco)

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Cell phone ban now in effect

Published July 7, 2009
By Hickam Kukini staff

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Drivers may still need reminders about cell phone usage both on base and off.

Beginning July 1, motorists on the island of Oahu may be cited for operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device -- unless they use a hands-free system. There is a $67 fine for the first offense.

Hickam AFB already had a similar cell phone use restriction while driving on post. Pearl Harbor Naval Station goes even further -- as talking on the phone even with a headset is not allowed. Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam is expected to have the same rules as PHNS.

According to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), the law's purpose is to make Honolulu roadways safer for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Cellular phones can still be used for emergency 911 calls off base.

There will be no special enforcement campaign. HPD will issue violations as they view them, according to officials. There is no grace period.

Furthermore, the City and County of Honolulu law restricts texting and phone calls while stopped in traffic.

Other restricted mobile electronic devices include pagers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, video games and digital photographic devices. The law also applies to out-of-state drivers. Passengers are not affected by the city's law, only the driver.

For information about driving and the use of cell phones, call Tech. Sgt. Aaron Lesher, 15th SFS, at 449-1006.

cell phone ban