REP PC 048 2020/07/07 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: July 7, 2020 Re: Comm. No. 986/Resolution No. 678-20 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 1:21 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution No. 678-20, reports as follows: Resolution No. 678-20, introduced by Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder via Communication No. 986 dated June 15, 2020, calls upon all telecommunications companies and public utilities operating in Hawaii County to cease the buildout of fifth -generation wireless infrastructure, commonly known as 5G, until such technologies have been proven through independent research and testing to human health and the environment. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder said that we do not need 5G wireless technology for our cell phones to work and that we have other options to increase our connectivity. Maui County is undertaking a similar discussion today. In the past year he has been bombarded by citizens voicing their concerns about the deployment of 5G technology. In light of multiple jurisdictions limiting the rollout of 5G technology, residents around the island have asked him to put legislation forward to address the public safety concerns inherent in the technology. He appreciates the concerns of opponents of the resolution, telecom lobbyists from Oahu, and his reply is that there has been no study to date that shows the technology is safe. He is concerned about safety and well-being of citizens and areas where small cell devices will be deployed as frequently as every 250 feet. Planning Director Michael Yee was asked to come forward. In response to Mr. Kaneali`i- Kleinfelder's questions, Director Yee stated that 5G technology has not been implemented on Hawaii Island. He was unaware of the status in other counties. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder said he was concerned that Hawaii County was being used as the "guinea pigs" for other places in the country. Director Yee described the process for installing the small cell devices. Many people believe the towers being proposed will be used someday for 5G, and it is certainly a potential. The devices may not necessarily be going up on the large towers, but that becomes the issue. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 restricts the County from disallowing the issuance of permits for health reasons around cell phone towers. Director Yee's authority when he receives an application for a tower is to make a recommendation to the applicable planning commission, but it is up to the commission to make a decision. PC Report No.: 48