HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0110.097 2024-2026From: Naomi Melamed COUNTY CLERK
Sent: Monday, April 14, 202S 1:20 PM COUNTY OF HAWAI' I
To: Council Testimony RECEIVED
Subject: Bill 24, Support and Two Amendments Time I :260,M , By
Date APR 1 4 2025
Testimony to the PCPLUED Committee
Aloha Esteemed Members of the PCPLUED Committee,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your consideration of Bill
24, especially for incorporating the crucial 100mph sustained wind amendment. Your engagement
and commitment mean a great deal to our community.
As the Big Island Leader of Safe Tech Hawaii, a group of island residents deeply concerned about
the unchecked spread of wireless technology, I am reaching out on behalf of our organization. We are
committed to advocating for safer alternatives to protect our beloved islands' residents and
environment.
We are in full support of the amendments proposed by Council Member Villegas, which are centered
around:
1. Clarifying Community Notification Requirements
2. Adopting an Application Form that Clearly Defines the Clock Start Date
Clarifying Community Notification Requirements
The current language in Bill 24 is ambiguous, using terms like "notify," "engage," "affected
community," and "adjacent landowners," which can be easily misinterpreted. To avoid
misunderstandings and potential delays:
• We need clear definitions for these terms.
• It's vital to safeguard our community by requiring notification of individuals within 500 feet of
any proposed installation via certified mail, starting within five days of application submission.
• Our community deserves clear, written notifications delivered directly to their homes.
Adopting A Form that Clearly Defines the Clock Start Date
This measure is crucial for the County's protection:
There have been issues with discrepancies regarding when the 60-day clock should start,
leading to delays and exploitation.
Bill 24 should clearly specify that all permit application requirements must be fulfilled before the
60-day clock begins.
A recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court highlighted the importance of clarity in lock start
dates, supporting the FCC's decision on EFR applications. Comrn r.,) .
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1 APRI- �_ t:
• Thus, the County should implement its mandatory Permit application form to ensure this is the
first step that triggers the clock for all applications.
Regulating Small Cells
As we look to the future, I urge the Committee to pay significant attention to the regulation of small
cells. These installations, while small in size, have the potential to affect our communities
significantly. By planting the seeds for thoughtful legislation, we can ensure that our approach to
technology is both forward -thinking and protective of our community's health and well-being.
Thank you so much for your dedication and commitment to our community's well-being. Your work is
invaluable, and I am grateful for your attention to these matters.
With warm aloha,
Naomi Melamed
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