HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0986.741 2018-2020COUNTY CLERK -
COUNTY - OF HAWAI ' I
RECEIVED
_ - Time ,Z$
Vibrant Hawaii Testimony for Resolution 678 20 nate JUL_ 0 7 2020-
- A RESOLUTION CALLING UPON ALL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES AND PUBLIC -
UTILITIES OPERATING IN HAWAII COUNTY TO CEASE THE BUILDOUT" OF 5G WIRELESS
INFRASTRUCTURE UNTIL SUCH TECHNOLOGIES HAVE BEEN PROVEN THROUGH
- INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND TESTING TO_ BE SAFE TO HUMAN HEALTH ANDTHE-
ENVIRONMENT.
Vibrant Hawaii believes in our collective `auamo kuleana to increase equitable opportunities for
our community residents. In doing so, we are committed to supporting equal access to
education and information.
The COVID19 pandemic has shown us how extremely vulnerable several members of our
Island as it relates to basic services of education and health. Within weeks, schools'switched to
online and distance based education while non emergency health services -slowly shifted to
TELEHealth 'services. Unfortunately, successfulparticipation in technology enhanced education
and health services clearly, illuminated our Island's digital divide.
The digital divide results from lack of technology infrastructure, devices and applications.
Although we have been quick to adapt new applications like ZOOM and many new laptops and
computer devices have been distributed, without access to WIFI and broadband internet
services, we will continue to widen the educational achievement gap and the health disparities
from our different communities. Not everybody,owns a computer with a wired connection,
especially those living with limited resources. Increasingly, people are forgoing the.landline. But
most everybody has a smart mobile phone, including .the "working poor". Being able .to partake
in the cellular network is essential in keeping all people connected to this vital means of
communication.
This bill, if passed, may further exacerbate our digital divide. The bill offers limited source to
support the delay when other reputable literature and studies are grounded by research to
respond to these concerns. They include the following links below, in addition to the the FCC
website, https•//www fcc gov/ -fags.
https://slate com/technology/2020/04/coronavirus-covid19-5g-conspiracy-theory.htm1,
https•//www theguardian com/technology/2020/mar/12/58-safe-radiation-watchdoa-health,
https://www.icnirp.org/en/activities/news/news-article/covid-1 9.htmI,
htti2s://www:bbc.com/news/technology-51839681,
https://youtu.be/d7uLTL2CQXQ, https://youtu.be/JiEwOAs2Kto
Comm. No. q & •Tq j
Ref. To: P / C"C4�
Ref. bate 1 2:1%00 -
(We are already seeing a growing trend.:of net migration from-our Island. By limiting access to
educational, health-and economic opportunities due to a lack-of technology-infrastructure, we in
turn will be force to have our keikis seek education and jobs in areas,with 5G and_other-
technologies??????)