2024-09-18 Elizabeth Songvilay AT & T Testimony

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AT&T September 18, 2024 Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Agenda Item 4 (PL-PDI-2024-000008) September 19, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting Aloha Chair DeFranco and Leeward Planning Commissioners: AT&T appreciates the opportunity to submit written testimony on the Planning Director's proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 25, Article 2, Article 5, and Article 7 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) relating to telecommunication antennas and towers. Comments on Proposed Code Changes AT&T appreciates efforts by the Department of Planning to update the Hawaii County Code. However, as indicated in our letters and comments included in the Department's report and Windward Planning Commission testimony, AT&T is concerned that some of the proposed changes will hamper our ability to effectively provide quality and reliable wireless services to our Hawaii Island customers. As mentioned in our previous testimony, the effect of the proposed changes appears contrary to the County's latest proposed 2045 General Plan. The proposed General Plan highlights the importance of access to broadband and telecommunications services and deployment of related infrastructure.' However, the changes proposed here create unnecessary barriers to the deployment of wireless infrastructure, thereby inhibiting the provision of communication services on the island. This testimony follows up more specifically on several legal concerns with the proposed code, in further support of comments submitted on behalf of Verizon Wireless and Crown Castle (Exhibits 7 and 9 to the July 23rd Planning Director's Report). ' See "County of Hawaii General Plan 2045: Planning for a Sustainable Future, Final Recommended Draft, July 2024," hops://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/308136/638597487229830000. 2 Please see my prior comments regarding policy concerns with the proposal. Exhibits 8 and 10 to the July 23rd Planning Director's Report, PL-PDI-2024-000008, Background and Recommendation, July 23, 2024. © 2024 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.