A ban on text messaging while driving appears headed for passage by the City Council.

While the measure has several more hearings before its final approval, the City Council unanimously passed the bill yesterday with little discussion or concerns.

“;This measure is simply common sense,”; said City Councilman Charles Djou, who introduced this bill. “;Text messaging or playing a video game while driving a motor vehicle is simply incompatible.”;

The Honolulu Police Department, which would be responsible for enforcing the law, took no position on the bill, but raised questions saying it would be difficult to enforce.

“;The way it's written right now, we feel it's difficult for HPD to enforce it,”; said Maj. Thomas Nitta. “;We wouldn't be able to differentiate what texting is or whether someone is making a call. ... If you pass a bill you can't enforce, it would be rather pointless.”;

The City Council had amended the bill slightly to say that the ban would only apply when the person is driving the vehicle. The Council also changed it to allow drivers to select or enter a telephone number.