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38 Honolulu drivers ticketed on first day of cell phone ban
Jul 03, 2009 (The Honolulu Advertiser - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Honolulu's new ban on the use of cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices while driving led to just 38 citations on its first day.
Police said it appears motorists changed their calling habits or bought hands-free accessories to comply with the new law.
"The majority are complying with the law," Maj. Clayton Kau said yesterday in announcing Wednesday's enforcement numbers.
Some motorists pulled over before or soon after they used their phones, and others just avoided making or taking calls on the road.
Most found that while it required some adjustment, it wasn't a major problem.
Teri Yanagi, who works in Chinatown, said it only cost her the time to dig out her old Bluetooth device, which is legal to use while driving.
The low citation numbers appeared to show that most residents were aware of the new law. That had been a major concern for police, who mounted a public awareness campaign over the past few weeks.
The numbers weren't broken down, Kau said, so he didn't know which electronic devices drivers were cited for using. However, he said, HPD will continue tracking overall citation numbers.
Citations carry a $67 fine.
Officers also issued seven warnings Wednesday, Kau said.
HPD's traffic division issued 11 citations. Other non-traffic officers, mostly in East Honolulu and Windward O'ahu, issued the remaining 27.
Kau said there were not any officers solely patrolling for violators of the new law.
Drivers flocked to cell- phone stores over the past week to purchase hands-free accessories.
Wednesday at lunchtime, the Downtown Verizon Wireless store was filled with people looking for Bluetooth devices to use on their way home.
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