HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0804.005 1998-2000
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DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY • COUNTY OF HAWAII
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TELEPHONE (808) 961-8660 FAX (808) 961-8657
June 20, 2000
Honorable Aaron S. Y. Chung, Chair
and Members of the Finance Committee
Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Building
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY'S RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
MICROWAVE RELOCATION AND SYSTEM RENOVATION
The Department of Water Supply supports the Hawaii County Police Department's request for $8,000,000.00 to
relocate the County's present analog microwave radio system to a modern 6 Ghz digital system.
The "Refarming Act" of 1995 mandates Hawaii County to relocate from the present 2Ghz to 6Ghz microwave
by the year 2005. Not relocating would cause radio interference between the private communication services
companies, which will be allowed to use the 2Ghz system as of 2005, and the County's telecommunications
system. In addition the relocation project would replace the present microwave system that is over 26 years old.
It is doubtful that the present radio towers would be able to withstand high winds. This would cripple the
county's telecommunication system when it is needed the most. Also the age and obsolescence of the current
system makes it subject to frequent breakdown and difficulty in finding replacement parts.
Additionally, an upgraded microwave system would support the next phase of developing the County's
telecommunication system to an 800 MHz trunking system. The 800 MHz system would be more efficient and
allow for future growth.
The County's microwave system serves as a backbone to the different VHF radio bands used by numerous
agencies. Although the Department of Water Supply has its own semi-independent radio system, we do rely on
three microwave stations for our communications system. We utilize the Kona microwave station for
communications to areas in South Kona and utilize the Hilo and South Point microwave stations to
communicate to areas in Ka'u.
A dependable, interference free and efficient communication system is crucial to our county's ability to provide
public safety and other needed services to our island residents during normal times and especially during
emergency conditions. The Department of Water Supply therefore strongly supports the need to appropriate
$8,000,000.00 for the Microwave Relocation and System Renovation. ''JJ
Sincerely Yours, Comm. No. d TA 005
FMle No.
Ref. To: C
Milton D. Pavao, P.E. Ref. Dpte ` Q
Manager
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