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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> PSPRC-11 April 21, 2009 <br /> <br /> At its meeting of May 19, 2009, Your Committee heard Comm. 262.2, from Mr. Hoffmann. <br /> The proposed amendments contained therein were to 1) remove the penalty of 30 days <br /> imprisonment; 2) exempt drivers holding an operator license issued by the federal <br /> communications commission; and 3) change the effective date from upon approval to October 1, <br /> 2009. In addition, Comm. 262.5 from Chief Kubojiri, expressing the department's support, and <br /> Comm. 262.6, from Council Member Onishi, transmitting a proposed amendment to change the <br /> effective date to January 1, 2010, were heard. <br /> <br /> In discussion on the amended Bill 66, Mr. Hoffmann requested support of the other Councilors, <br /> and he applauded the City and County of Honolulu for their precedent on this issue. He added <br /> that if this bill saves a single life, it is worthwhile. <br /> <br /> Mr. Greenwell is concerned this bill is an erosion of responsibility and freedom. While <br /> Mr. Greenwell asserted he is able to drive a farm tractor using "three hands and four feet," he <br /> also stated he would vote against this bill, because he doesn't believe the public needs to be <br /> watched "as if we were children." Mr. Ikeda said he supports this bill and he confessed he <br /> personally has trouble using a phone and driving at the same time. <br /> <br /> Ms. Naeole expressed her uncertainty and emphasized there are much more serious issues and <br /> concerns for the Police to address. She is worried that this may be a distraction for enforcement <br /> officers and ultimately she voted "kanalua" twice. <br /> <br /> Mr. Yoshimoto said he is concerned that talking while driving is the true issue, not the use of the <br /> phone itself. He stated that although allowing a hands-free device may not be the answer, he <br /> supports the bill because it is a movement in the right direction, which is towards less distracted <br /> driving. He also stated that although it may not be effective until January 1, 2010, ultimately it <br /> will be a good thing. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ford stated that laws such as this are made to encourage responsibility. She supports this <br /> bill because it is important to behave more responsibly. <br /> <br /> Bill 66 was amended to Draft 2, with the contents of Comm. 262.2, as amended by the contents <br /> of Comm. 262.6. <br /> <br /> Your Committee is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill 66, as amended to Draft 2, and <br /> recommends it pass first reading. <br /> bw <br /> AYES NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted, <br /> ENRIQUES X <br /> FORD X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY <br /> <br /> GREENwELL X AND PARKS AND RECREATION <br /> HOFFMANN X <br /> IKEDA X y <br /> NAEOLE X U <br /> ONISHI X Y E QUES, CH I <br /> YAGONG X PSPRC RE T NO. 11 <br /> YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTS : JUN 0 Z 1f1O9 <br />