2024-11-18 Elizabeth Songvilay - Laserfiche WebLink

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ctia" wiA9 AT&T CCRN ASTLE � verizon ThepathwayOp ■ ■ o, I November 18, 2024 Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: November 21, 2024 Agenda Item 99 (PL-CCI-2024-000009) Dear Chair DeFranco and Leeward Planning Commissioners, As providers of wireless services to residents, businesses and visitors across Hawaii Island, we write to concur with the Planning Director's unfavorable recommendation of Bill 194. As stated by the Planning Department' and in comments submitted by the wireless industry included in the Department's report, many of the new requirements proposed by Bill 194 extend beyond the Zoning Code's authority or are preempted by federal law. To provide services that wireless customers can continue to rely upon each day, reasonable zoning requirements and permit review timelines are essential. Bill 194 would put the industry's ability to provide wireless services unnecessarily at risk by creating a regulatory framework that is over-reaching, nearly impossible to comply with, and out of compliance with applicable federal regulations. The construction of new telecommunication facilities is typically initiated in response to increased wireless data traffic and user demand. In 2023, Americans used more than 100 trillion megabytes of data, the largest single-year increase ever and double that of two years ago. This increase in demand comes from a proliferation of wireless devices (e.g., security/weather cameras, smartwatches, and GPS systems), as well as enhanced technological capabilities that require more network data to provide important daily services (e.g., livestreaming, videoconferencing, and telehealth services). Further, as the Hawaii County Police Department notes, telecommunications facilities are critical for public safety. In addition to providing wireless services for first responders, our facilities provide access to 9-1-1 services that deliver emergency help more quickly and 1 BR-CC Initiated-Telecommunication Towers and Antennas.doc 9/16/24. 2 CTIA,"2024 Annual Survey Highlights," Sept. 10,2024,httys://www.ctia.org/news/2024-annual-surva- hi hlg ights.