If the Maui police and County Council are serious about stopping folks from using their cellphones while driving, they aren't doing a very good job.
Every morning, I walk my dog along Lower Kula Road. It's a small crooked road but that doesn't stop 50 percent of the drivers who pass us every morning from using their phones while driving just inches from us.
Since when are stop signs mere suggestions here, and when did red lights stop being red enough for some drivers? But there is hope. I read that the police will now ticket drivers for going through red lights (The Maui News, July 4). Weren't they before? Drivers with four, five or 12 DUIs finally get jail time after an accident or someone dies. Really?
If the county wants these laws taken seriously, attach serious fines. For using your cellphone while driving: $2,500. For blowing stop signs: $1,000; $2,000 for driving through red lights and for DUI. Get serious. First offense should be a $2,500 fine, a month in jail and suspended driver's license for at least six months. Second offense: $10,000 fine, one year in jail and a year's revocation of all driving privileges. Third time: Execution by your choice of another drunken driver.
If you want to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, fine. Just sign a "hold harmless agreement" with the county stating that your estate and yours alone will pay for your health care when you're brain damaged and on life support.
Michael Sullivan
Kula
