HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0110.007 2024-2026r_r 1
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February 17, 2025
RE: Bill 24
Aloha Honorable Councilmembers,
In support of County of Hawaii updating County Code to exercise its authority over decisions regarding the
placement, construction and modification of telecommunication antennas and telecommunication towers, as
defined by the federal government, and subject to existing state or federal law.
The Windward Planning Commission and the Leeward Planning Commission have forwarded both Bill 194 and
the Planning Director's proposed changes to Chapter 25 (now referred to as Bill 24) to Council with favorable
recommendations. The Planning Commission had the opportunity to compare the Council -initiated bill and
Planning Director's initiative. There are similarities and differences.
I wish to reiterate Bill 194 was initiated to address public concerns and Planning Director initiated update to
Chapter 25 to address concurrence with state law, more specifically, the revision to replace requirement for
special use permit with plan approval. The proposed language in the two bills before you does not require
notification of property owners and residents within a designated distance of a proposed installation.
Bill 194 does provide the public the transparency and assurances that state and federal laws have been
complied with. In addition, it does set standards and requirements that minimize health, safety, environment,
visual, and property value concerns.
I recommend amendments to include clear evidence that state and federal laws on endangered species,
environmental impacts, and cultural resources have been met.
One of the main purposes of amending the County Code is to reflect the location standards for the decision
and finding by the Planning Department based on technical evidence acceptable to the reviewing authority
showing a clear need for the facility at a certain location and that no technically feasible alternative site exists.
I support the inclusion of location preferences to address community's health and safety concerns.
Finally, I support the request for waiver of location requirements for government agencies whose purpose is
public safety, including civil defense, police and fire. However, I do support the submittal of documentation
that provides transparency and accountability that is required by state or federal law.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Regards,
Cindy Evans
cynthiaevans@aol.com
808-345-5810