HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-09 Anya Benavides Opposition Testimony
From: Anya Benavides
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Testimony against data center construction
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 12:36:11 PM
My name is Anya Benavides, and I'm a resident of Mountain View.
This testimony serves as a written statement against the development of a data center on
Hawai’i Island.
I believe protecting our water should be the highest priority in any decision involving a large
data center. Water isn't just another utility. It's the foundation of our community and all life.
Before approving a project that could require millions of gallons of water, I believe our
community deserves answers.
Where will the water come from? How much water will the facility use during the hottest
days of the year? Will it compete with residents or farmers during droughts? What
chemicals will be used in the cooling systems? Will PFAS or other "forever chemicals" be
used, and if so, how will they be safely managed? How will wastewater be treated, and
what happens if there's a leak or spill?
Many large data centers rely on on-site generators that can affect local air quality.
Construction alone can last for years, bringing increased dust, diesel emissions, and heavy
truck traffic into our neighborhoods. Then there's the noise. Cooling equipment, ventilation
systems, and generators can operate around the clock, affecting not only nearby families
but also the already vulnerable wildlife that shares this community with us. These aren't
small concerns. They're questions about the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the
quality of life we want for ourselves and future generations.
These aren't questions we should be asking after construction begins. They should be
answered before permits are approved. Once an aquifer is depleted or water becomes
contaminated, restoring it can take years, decades, or may not be fully possible. There are
also ethical concerns, and the environmental and health impacts already happening to
communities near datacenters should concern us as a community.
I do not consent to a data center being constructed on Hawai’i Island. Clean water, our
health and safety should be our utmost priority, especially considering the rapidly warming
planet.
Thank you for your time,
Anya