HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0110.161 2024-2026Charter
COMMUNICATIONS
June 3, 2025
Via Emailkounciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov)
Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: Bill 24: Amendment to Chapter 25, Articles 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 of the Hawaii County Code,
Relating to Telecommunication Antennas and Towers
Dear Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Council Members,
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Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on Bill 24, Draft 5, which proposes amendments to
the County of Hawaii zoning code relating to telecommunications antennas and towers.
Charter Communications respectfully request two clarifying amendments to ensure the bill's language is
consistent with our understanding of the Council's intent: to regulate the siting of cellular towers, not
wired broadband infrastructure.
Specifically, we request the following additions to Section 2 of the bill, which amends the definition of
"Telecommunications antenna":
1. Amend Subsection (E) of the "Does not include" list to read:
(E) Small wireless facilities as defined by the Hawaii Revised Statutes. section 206N-1 et
seal; and
Rationale: "Small wireless facility" is described in Section 206N-1, and further defined in Section
206N-2. The addition of "et seq" clarifies that the definition refers not only to Hawaii Revised
Statutes, Section 206N-1, but to the full statutory framework governing small wireless facilities.
2. Add a new Subsection (F) to the "Does not include" list:
(F) Broadband services delivered through wireline technologies, such as Digital Subscriber
Line (DSL), cable, and fiber -to -the -premises."
Rationale: This clarifying language ensures that infrastructure supporting broadband internet
delivered through physical wireline technologies is not inadvertently swept into regulations
intended for wireless towers.
As the largest broadband provider in the state, Charter appreciates the County's focus on
telecommunications policy and infrastructure. These modest amendments will help ensure clarity in the
County's regulatory framework. Mahalo for the opportunity to provide comments in Bill 24, Draft 5.
Sincerely,
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Rebecca Lieberman ��
Director, State Government Affairs —Hawaii Comm. N .
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JU — 4 2025