2024-09-03 Naomi Melamed Testimony -Oppose

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From:Naomi Melamed To:WPCtestimony Subject:Naomi Melamed Planning Dept. Ordinance - ITEM #8 Date:Tuesday, September 3, 2024 10:35:24 AM Aloha, I see this ordinance as siding and supporting Telecom over our island residents. I support Council Member Cindy Evans' proposed telecommunications ordinance, Bill 194, which had already been forwarded to you. The new ordinance proposed by the Director is too sympathetic to the telecommunications industry with not enough protections for our community. It allows for towers and antennas in ALL zoning districts with NO permitting process and not enough requirements. It gives total power to Planning with no other agencies involved. Please consider Council Member Evans proposed ordinance which has clear, attainable permit requirements. It is the perfect balance between the health, safety and welfare needs of the people and the needs of the tech industry. More specific information that I have to share with the committee: I find some major concerns. This ordinance overall seems to want to expedite the build out of wireless infrastructure for the benefit of telcom. 1. THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW AND NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED Relating to Applicability; Use Permit required. Section 25-2-61 is proposed to be amended as follows: (a) The following uses shall be permitted within designated County zoning districts only if a use permit is obtained for the use from the commission: \[(11) Telecommunication antennas and towers in RS, RD, RM, RCX, RA, FA, A, IA and O districts.\] Reason for the Amendments: This amendment is necessary to expedite the development of telecommunication infrastructure by removing the requirement for use permits and comply with the 60-day action requirement on telecommunication permits found in HRS §46-89. 2. Very brushed over emphasis on health and safety actually seems to be the opposite: pg 10~ Relating to Standards for Telecommunication antennas and towers. Section 25-4-12(b) is proposed to be added as follows: (b) Telecommunication facilities developed primarily to protect public health, safety, and welfare, including but not limited to facilities for police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency dispatch services, shall be exempt from the telecommunication tower requirements outlined in this chapter. Reasons for the Amendment: The proposed amendment to Section 25-4-12(b) aims to exempt telecommunication facilities that are developed primarily to protect public health, safety, and welfare from the standard telecommunication tower requirements. Facilities supporting police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency dispatch services are essential for the safety and well-being of the community. Exempting these facilities from certain requirements ensures that they can be established and maintained without unnecessary delays, ensuring uninterrupted emergency services. (2) Telecommunication towers must be sited at least 1,200 feet from nearby residences and schools not on the subject property.