HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0262.010 2008-2010
EDWARD GUTTELING, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery P.O. Box 857 • Hilo, Hawaii 96721
Sports Medicine Telephone: (808) 961-2609
• Aat oinial professor of Surgery 2]79 M H 19 a n 12 2 5
University of Hawaii, John A. Bums _
Sahom d Medane
Official Orthopedic Surgeon
UH Hilo Vulcan Addeua
• Board Catfied, Americus Board
of Orthopedic Surgery
• fellow. American /aderry of
orthopedic Surgery,
oOrthopedic Rose" fdlowd"l May, 2009
Dear Councilman Yoshimoto:
I am taking the unusual step of writing today regarding the proposed ban on
hand-held cell phones while driving.
I believe these sorts of issues should only be decided by referendum of our
community as a whole.
For almost everyone in our community, they view representative government as
appointing officials to run the details of our government, allocating resources,
deciding priorities and such. However, for almost everyone, they do not feel
that their representatives have the right to alter the most fundamental details of
our daily lives without asking our permission first. This is similar to the prior
proposal to ban plastic bags, which also should have gone to a referendum.
If our government means to alter the basic details of our lives, at least you should
ask us if we agree before going there.
This requires humility for many officials, but it is a good thing. Power belongs to
the people.
As for the proposal itself, as an orthopedic surgeon I am only too familiar with
the tragic consequences of MVAs.
However, as a scientist, I suspect this ban will not be effective. Our chief of
police is quoted as saying he is aware of studies that show no benefit from a
hand-held ban, as distraction still occurs with the hands-free use. I suggest that
the county await data from communities where the ban has been introduced to
see if any good form this restriction of citizens actually appears. Currently, this is
speculation only, and does not warrant another burden on our citizens and police.
Warmest aloha
Edward Gutteling, M.D.
Comm. No. 2(o2.. /O
HILO ORTHOPEDIC CENTER Ref. Toy t"
45 Mohouli Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Ref. Date MAMMA 11~ g 11
Billing: (808) 969-6017 • Fax: (808) 935-6895