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<br />From:sharkgss <br />To:WPCtestimony <br />Cc:Evans, Cynthia F.W.; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Kimball, Heather <br />Subject:Donna Thompson OPPOSE Item #8 Regarding telecommunication towers and antennas - Support Bill 194 <br />Date:Tuesday, September 3, 2024 12:29:51 PM <br />Aloha, <br />I recently discovered "the Planning Director has initiated an ordinance to amend <br />Chapter 25 (Zoning), Article 2, Article 4, Article 5, and Article 7 of the Hawai‘i County <br />Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) relating to telecommunication antennas and <br />towers. The purpose is to remove the requirement for a use permit to establish <br />telecommunication antennas and towers in certain zoning districts, add <br />application requirements, and amend standards for the establishment of <br />telecommunication antennas and towers." <br />I strongly oppose item 8 because this proposal is unacceptable and far <br />too sympathetic to the telecommunications industry without any protection for our <br />community. <br />There most certainly should be a permitting process for installation of cell towers and <br />antennas due to the electromagnetic pollution these towers emit. Public input is <br />critical during the permitting process due to scientifically proven health side effects on <br />all life as a direct result of these devices that emit electromagnetic frequencies that <br />are disruptive to cellular function. <br />For over 15 years I have noticed increased side effects within certain distance to <br />these towers and carry a TriField Meter to measure electromagnetic and microwave <br />field strength. Over the years I have witnessed very high levels being emitted from <br />these towers that are often placed close to residences and business (for instance the <br />tower near the corner of Hawaii belt Rd and Pakalana St in Honokaa). <br />Ecological Impacts of Cell Tower <br />Radiation on Biota <br />Increased cancer risk: Some studies suggest that exposure to radiofrequency <br />(RF) radiation from cell towers may increase the risk of cancer, particularly for <br />children and adolescents. <br />Genetic damage and reproductive issues: Research has documented genetic <br />damage and changes to the reproductive system in animals exposed to RF <br />radiation. <br />Neurological and cognitive effects: Some studies have reported associations <br />between RF radiation exposure and neurological and cognitive effects, such as <br />headaches, sleep issues, and memory deficits. <br />Increased RF radiation exposure: Cell towers emit RF radiation, which can <br />increase daily exposure levels, particularly for individuals living or working near <br /> <br />