HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0110.206 2024-2026P / WCIl
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From:
Debra Greene
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Sent:
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 11:23 AM
To:
Council Testimony"-�
Subject:
Support Bill 24
Aloha Council Members,
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On behalf of Safe Tech Hawaii, a grassroots coalition of concerned resident`s, we are asking your
full -
support of Bill 24 as it is written.
Balancing the public's need for telecommunications connectivity with their need for public safety is
extremely challenging, especially within the confines of outdated Federal regulations that favor the
industry. A reflection of that juggling act, this Bill has been through the utmost scrutiny for almost a year.
It's been a long process and this 6th draft of Bill 24 reflects the hard work that went into it from the
PCPLUED Committee members and the full Council.
Bill 24 was the second submission of two competing Bills put forth on the same legislation, which is
unprecedented, and made the process even more complicated. What you've ended up with is a good
balance between the needs of the community for their safety and welfare, and the needs of the
telecommunications industry to provide connectivity.
Bill 24 updates County law to comply with state law, removes the Contested Case allowance, and
provides that only the Planning Director and Planning approval is needed for a tower or antenna permit.
Further, telecommunications facilities are now allowed in ALL zones.
Also included is a setback requirement for our safety and welfare. It's a 600 foot setback from residences
and schools that protects us and our children from tower encroachments.
People want connectivity but no one wants a tower in their backyard! The setback and other permit
requirements included in Bill 24 help to:
• Preserve the character and appearance of the island
• Protect our scenic, historic, environmental, and natural resources
• Protect our man-made and cultural resources
• Protect the property values of our homes
• Protect our general safety, welfare and quality of life
• Protect our families and children from nuisance, noise and falling objects
• Protect our families and children from dangerous tower guy -wires
Bill 24 allows for these protections but does not compromise connectivity or public safety,
because telecom facilities - including police, fire and ambulance - are exempt from the setback, and
other, requirements.
Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date IVI Za �
Please adopt Bill 24 as it is written. Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony. Mahalo to the
PCPLUED Committee and to the full Council for their hard work.
Sincerely, _-
Debra
Debra Greene, PhD
Founding Director
Safe Tech Hawaii
PHONE: 808-874-6441
WEBSITE: www SafeTechHawaii com
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