Although the State of Hawaii does not have a statewide driving law concerning cell phones, text messaging or distracted driving, all four counties – Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui (as well as several cities) -- have passed their own distracted driving laws, all of which ban handheld cellphone use and most of which ban text messaging.
For example, the Hawaii County law prohibits the use of any electronic device while driving without a hands-free alternative. This includes cell phones, laptops, PDA's, text messaging devices and other electronic devices. There are exceptions for emergency situations and for law enforcement. The maximum fine for violating the Hawaii County cell phone law is $150. Read more about the Hawaii County Ordinance.
Honolulu has also enacted a local distracted driving ordinance in 2009. The new law, similar to the Hawaii County law prohibits the use of any "Mobile Electronic Device" while driving and while Honolulu has a $147 fine if the law is violated. You may use a hands free device under the new ordinance and emergency situations are an exception. At least two cities in Hawaii are considering extending distracted driving laws to pedestrians -- for example, prohibiting pedestrians from entering crosswalks while texting.
Read more about the Honolulu Ordinance FAQ
