HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0110.062 2024-2026 of.e
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. " Benjamin T.Moszkowiez
ALavor Police Chief
William V. Brilhante Jr.
Reed K.Mahuna
Managing Director Deputy Police Chief
County of Hawaii
POLICE DEPARTMENT
349 Kapi'olani Street Hilo,Hawaii 96720-3998
(808)935-3311 Fax(808)961-2389
April 9, 2025
Council Member Ashley L.Kierkiewicz,Chairperson
And Committee Members
Policy Committee On Planning,Land Use,
and Economic Development
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
counciltestimony@hawaiicoqnW.gov
RE: BILL 24 D3: AMENDS CHAPTER 25,ARTICLES 1,2,4, 5, AND 7,OF THE HAWAI`I COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNAS AND TOWERS
DATE:APRIL 15,2025
Dear Council Member Kierkiewicz,
The Hawai'i Police Department does not support Bill 24 D3 which amends Chapter 25, Articles 1, 2,
4, 5, and 7 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, As Amended), relating to
telecommunication antennas and towers.
While this Bill aims to balance public safety and welfare with the development of telecommunications
facilities, the amendments related to permits, setbacks and visual impact assessments along with the
director's discretionary authority based on somewhat subjective criteria will discourage providers in adding
new telecommunications towers.
Our personnel rely heavily on cellular connectivity not only for communication in areas where our existing
radio communication system lacks coverage,but also for the functionality of our Mobile Data Terminals. It
is our department's opinion that amending the current chapter of the Hawaii County Code will discourage
the new building of telecommunication towers thereby hindering the betterment of cellular connectivity on
our island.
It is far these reasons, we urge this committee to not approve this legislation. Thank you for allowing
the Hawaii Police Department to provide comments relating to Bill 24 D3.
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"Hawu'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer"