Honolulu's radio hams win mobile radio exemption

A major victory for radio hams in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Bill 4, the pro-ham radio mobile cellular phone legislation for the City and County of Honolulu passed Third Reading on April 22nd, and has passed out of the Council.

The measure includes a full exemption for radio amateurs from the effects of this bill. This bill is significant because it addresses the issue of traffic safety, but does not diminish the role of amateur radio in the course of the legislation. It’s also believed to be the first legislation in Hawaii that fully supports amateur radio.

The mayor will sign this bill into law shortly, with an effective date of July 1st.

But the fight is not over yet. The Hawaii County Council is currently working with a draft equivalent to Bill 4, but so far lacks the exemption for amateur radio.

According to Ron Hashiro, AH6RH, the next few weeks will be important for the Big Island for testimony and education of their Council members.

Updates will be posted on this web page:
http://www.qsl.net/ah6rh/am-radio/cellular-phone-ordinance.html

Source: ARNewsline, AH6RH, KH6QX