HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-31 Charter Communications Testimony
From: Lieberman, Rebecca J
To: Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Testimony for September 3 Meeting
Date: Monday, August 31, 2026 2:55:19 PM
Attachments: image001.png
Charter Communications_WPC_Comments on Bill 170_8.31.26.pdf
Aloha,
Attached is my testimony for the Windward Planning Commission’s September 3 meeting
regarding Agenda Item 7, County Council Initiated Bill 170 (PC-CCI-2026-000018).
Thank you,
Rebecca
Rebecca Lieberman | Director, State Government Affairs - Hawaii
O: 808.695.3154 | M: 808.481.1007
151 Palii Street | Mililani, HI 96789
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151 Palii Street, Mililani, HI 96789 O 808.695.3154 M 808.481.1007 Rebecca.Lieberman@spectrum.com
Rebecca Lieberman
Director
Government Affairs
August 31, 2026
Via Email (WPCtestimony@hawaiicounty.gov)
Windward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: County Council Initiated Bill 170 (PL-CCI-2026-000018)
Chair Daniele and Commissioners:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the County Council initiated Bill 170 to amend
Chapter 25, Article 1, of the Hawaii County Code, relating to zoning for data processing facilities and
data centers. The purpose of Bill 170 is to amend the definition of data processing facilities and add a
new definition of data centers.
As the largest internet provider in the state, we understand and appreciate the community concerns
that have prompted closer review of large-scale data center development. However, communications
facilities used to provide communications services serve a fundamentally different purpose, operate at a
different scale, and are essential to public safety, emergency response, economic activity, and everyday
connectivity.
Data center regulations are typically designed to address the unique land-use impacts associated with
large computing facilities, including substantial electric demand, cooling systems, water use, backup
generation, building massing, and traffic or construction impacts. Communications facilities used to
provide or facilitate the provision of communications services are different. Unlike hyperscale data
centers and other high-impact loads, communications infrastructure and related facilities are distributed
in nature, generally have relatively low average peak demand at any individual location, and are
designed to support local connectivity. They are part of the critical infrastructure network that enables
residents, businesses, public safety agencies, and emergency response providers to communicate
reliably. Treating these facilities as data centers could unintentionally delay or restrict critical network
upgrades, maintenance, resiliency improvements, and service-restoration work that Hawaii County
relies on every day.
We therefore recommend adding a clear exemption for communications facilities used to provide
communications services. Such an exemption would preserve the intent of the data center regulations
while avoiding unintended consequences for critical communications services.
Suggested language could be added to the definition of data center:
“Data center” does not include facilities owned or operated by a telecommunication, cable
television, wireless or broadband company or facilities that primarily support their services or
network operations.
151 Palii Street, Mililani, HI 96789 O 808.695.3154 M 808.481.1007 Rebecca.Lieberman@spectrum.com
Rebecca Lieberman
Director
Government Affairs
Thank you for your consideration. We would welcome the opportunity to work with the Windward
Planning Commission, Planning Department, County Council, and staff to ensure the regulations address
data center impacts while preserving the ability to deploy, maintain, and restore reliable voice, video
and broadband services for the community.
Thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns on Bill 170. If you have any questions, please feel
free to contact me at (808) 481-1007 or via email at Rebecca.Lieberman@spectrum.com.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Lieberman
Director, State Government Affairs