HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0986.853 2018-2020From:
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jackie gomes
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 7:45 AM
Council Testimony
Support 678-20 Resolution
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
RECEIVED
Time; i�lA _ By
Aloha e Hawaii County Council,
Date- JUL 2 2 2020
I am writing this to humbly testify in support of resolution 678-20 to halt the rollout of 5G on Hawaii Island. 5G
is the next generation in wireless communication which promises faster speeds and better connectivity, but as we
know with all good things, there is always a price.
In order for 5G communication to become a reality, we would need to completely change the landscape of our island,
utilize more resources and increase waste.
Hawai'i has a very delicate ecosystem. Everything from the animals to the plants play an integral role in the health
and wellbeing of our state. Hawaii has been ranked in the top 3 for healthiest states for the past 4 years by the
United Health Foundation (2016-1 st, 2017 -2nd, 2018-1 st, 2019 -3rd) with strengths including low cancer death rates
in 2019 and low levels of air pollution in 2018. 1 attribute this to the health of our ecosystem.
The building of 5G towers will require deforestation in many areas. We are already seeing this happen as
more and more subdivisions are being built. The manufacturing and management of 5G towers will not only take up
more space, but will also replace the natural and much needed resources such as trees and animals.
5G technology will lead to an increase in waste production. As older devices become obsolete to keep up
with this technology, more waste will be produced. Most electronics (computers, phones, etc.) cannot be recycled as
easily as plastic and cardboard. This will cause an even greater buildup of waste in our landfills.
5G will also utilize a greater amount of energy. In order to power up a device using 5G, more energy is being
used and more heat is being released. This increase in energy consumption and heat production is one of the major
contributors to our changing climate.
So again, I humbly ask that you would take all of these things into consideration and not take this decision
lightly. The consequences of prematurely moving forward with this technology far outweigh the benefits at this time.
More studies and data collection should be conducted.
Mahalo for your time,
Jackie Gomes
Comm..No. g� • X53
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