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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-16 Donna Thompson Testimony #4 -Oppose From:sharkgss To:LPCtestimony Cc:Evans, Cynthia F.W.; Kimball, Heather; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt Subject:OPPOSE ITEM #4 Planning Director"s Ordinance Date:Monday, September 16, 2024 12:48:16 PM Aloha, I am strongly opposed to Item #4 regarding Planning Director's ordinance to amend Chapter 25 (Zoning), Article 2, Article 4, Article 5, and Article 7 of the Hawai‘i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) relating to telecommunication antennas and towers. The purpose is to remove the requirement for a use permit to establish telecommunication antennas and towers in certain zoning districts, add application requirements, and amend standards for the establishment of telecommunication antennas and towers." This amendment gives too much power to Planning Department and Telecom without the oversight of the community, rushes the approval process to only 30 days, and has no provisions to protect lifeforms against electromagnetic frequencies (EMF's) that have been proven to degrade overall health. I personally have been affected by the increase of EMF infrastructure over the last 2 decades and carry a TriField Meter to measure frequencies. Ecological Impacts of Cell Tower Radiation on Biota Increased cancer risk: Some studies suggest that exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cell towers may increase the risk of cancer, particularly for children and adolescents. Genetic damage and reproductive issues: Research has documented genetic damage and changes to the reproductive system in animals exposed to RF radiation. Neurological and cognitive effects: Some studies have reported associations between RF radiation exposure and neurological and cognitive effects, such as headaches, sleep issues, and memory deficits. Increased RF radiation exposure: Cell towers emit RF radiation, which can increase daily exposure levels, particularly for individuals living or working near these structures. Children, due to their smaller size and developing bodies, may be more vulnerable to RF radiation absorption and potential health effects. Distance and exposure levels: The distance between a cell tower and an individual, as well as the power output of the tower, can affect exposure levels. The paper linked below was conducted in 1994 by Rome Laboratory Air Force Materiel Command regarding safety of radio frequencies on human and animal health. Conclusion: "Exposure to RF/MW radiation is known to have a biological effect on living organisms. Research conducted over the past 30 years (since 1994) has provided a basis for the effect of irradiation of biological materials. Experimental evidence has shown that exposure to low intensity radiation can have a profound effect on biological organisms. The nonthermal effects of RF/MW radiation exposure are becoming important measures of biological interaction with EM fields. Modem RF/MW radiation protection guides have sought to account for the effects of low level radiation exposure. Adherence to the ANSI Standard \[9\] should provide protection against harmful thermal effects and help to minimize the interaction of EM fields with the biological processes of the human body \[9\]. It is essentially the absorption of RF/MW energy that causes stress and trauma to biological systems. The greatest amount of energy will be absorbed when the incident radiation is emitted at the resonance frequency of biological material \[9\], \[22\]. In this regard, RF/MW radiation emitted at non-resonant frequencies should be absorbed to the greatest extent when the radiating mode is a pulsed signal. The generation of such signals creates transient responses that will match the resonant frequencies of biological materials. Non-resonant pulsed RF/MW radiation may be more harmful to living organisms than CW radiation emitted at non-resonant frequencies." https://www.elettrosensibili.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/rf-microwave-radiation-biological- effects-rome-labs-1.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email From The Invisible Rainbow pages 364-365 by Arthur Firstenberg "The suddenness and simultaneity of aspen decline through out Colorado, which began precisely in 2004, has been a source of wonder and despair to all who love and miss the vivid fall colors of these striking trees. In just three years, from 2003 to 2006, the area of aspen damage increased from 12,000 acres to 140,000 acres. Aspen mortality in the national forests rose three to sevenfold, with some stands losing 60 percent of these trees". There is a reason "The State of Colorado operates a sophisticated public safety communications network, called the Digital Trunked Radio System, consisting of 203 tall radio towers whose transmissions cover every square inch in of the state. They are heavily used by police, firefighters, park rangers, emergency medical service providers, schools, hospitals, and a wide variety of other municipal, state, federal, and tribal officials. Between 1998 and 2000 the pilot phase of the system, covering the Denver metro area, was built and tested. In 2001 and 2002, radio towers were built throughout northeastern and southeastern Colorado and the eastern plains. And in 2004, 2004, and 2005, the system invaded the western, mountainous part of the state: aspen territory." "At times," says Alfonso Balmori, "I compare what is occurring to a collective ritual of suicide in slow motion." But he does not think it can continue indefinitely. "I don't know when, he continues, "but there will come a day of realization, when society will awaken to the serious problem of electromagnetic contamination and its dangerous effects on birds, frogs, bees, trees, and all other living beings, including ourselves." I support Council Member Cindy Evans' proposed telecommunications ordinance Bill 194 which offers a more balanced approach with clear, attainable permit requirements. However, I suggest an amendment with warnings and safe distances need to be clearly indicated for all devices installed with recommendations for non-biased scientific studies. Mahalo, Donna Thompson Kamuela, HI