Police issued 109 tickets to people using a cellphone or other electronic device while driving during a specialized enforcement effort Saturday in Pearl City and Kalihi. A total of 232 citations were issued, including 50 for seat belt violations.

A dozen police officers were assigned to the Distracted Driving Enforcement initiative, a police spokeswoman said. Officers were stationed at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Acacia Road in Pearl City, and at Nimitz Highway and Lagoon Drive in Kalihi.

"Studies have shown that drivers who use a handheld device while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash serious enough to cause injuries," the department said in a news release. "The HPD will continue these enforcement initiatives in an effort to reinforce the importance of complying with these laws."