Hawaii Considers Exemptions to Cell Phone Ban

Hawaii drivers would be able to check their cellphones for traffic or weather information while driving, under a bill state lawmakers are considering.

Current Hawaii law forbids drivers from using or handling mobile devices while in a running vehicle, even when stopped.

Some Hawaii law enforcement agencies are opposed to easing the ban.

Major Kurt Kendro of the Honolulu police tells lawmakers the exemptions would give drivers an easy excuse to offer police who pull them over. He says Honolulu police last year issued more than 11,000 citations to drivers who were holding mobile electronic devices.

Supporters of the bill tell lawmakers that allowing drivers to use their phones once they park their vehicles is only fair.