2017-03-28 Letter to Roy M. Takumi re SB 1201 SD 2 HD 2 relating to Technology (Broadband)

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Roy Takumi March 28, 2017 Page 3 There is also considerable debate over costs and fees, which by no means are inconsequential to the providers, and therefore should be equally important to government as the protector of taxpayer assets. One draft limited collocation charges to $20 annually—a giveaway that does not seem to reflect proper stewardship of the public trust. Staff did some brief research and did not see other states giving away public land so freely. Washington State, for instance, has a schedule of fees and regulations in place that looks like a better balance protecting public land. The fact that someone suggested $20 makes it even more important that the Legislature demand due diligence before making any final, long-lasting decisions. At an absolute minimum, we would ask that any bill that passes provide that an entity proposing the installation, construction, development, or improvement of broadband networks must file a written request to do so with the State and affected county, and allow the counties to reject an application if the proposed installation might interfere with or overburden existing equipment. But for a subject this big with so many long-term ramifications, it would be better to assure that these other bills not become law without a good deal of further discussion and amendment. A very real danger to public safety could inadvertently result if, for instance, civil defense operations or emergency and first responder networks were compromised by the anticipated new installations. We have joined in a discussion led by the City and County, and appreciate the efforts being made by the parties to develop a bill that will be fair to all. We just cannot be optimistic that those discussions will yield an adequate product in time for the 2017 Legislature to act. We therefore would support the establishment of a broadband task force, but one that is not conditional on other legislation passing, and we would defer to the Legislature's wisdom as to the make-up of such a task force, which departments and agencies should be involved, and the scope of the task force's mandate. Respectfully submitted, (4-"‘ Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.