HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-23 DEM CommentsC. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. d y. Daniel Girvan, P. E.
Mayor r.;\,/, c.' Director
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William V. Brilhante Jr. r Craig KawaguchiorN
Managing Director Deputy Director
County of Hawaii
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
345 Kekuanao'a Street,SThte 41 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720• cohdem@hawaiicownty.gov
Ph: (808)961-8083 • Fax: (808)961-8086
September 23, 2026
Heather Kimball, Council District 1
Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, HI 96720
Via email: heather.kimball@hawaiicounty.gov
SUBJECT:Department of Environmental Management Comments Regarding Hawai'i County
Council Bill No. 170; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 25, Article 1, of the Hawai'i
County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), Relating to Zoning.
Dear Councilmember Kimball,
When this code was created, "Data Centers" did not exist and there was no need to regulate
them. Since that time, Data Centers have become a significant part of our technical
infrastructure. Because these facilities use large amounts of electricity, they have the potential
to alter both the environmental and economic standards of the communities that we live in. To
monitor and control their impact, it is essential that we have zoning ordinances that allow this
oversight and the Department of Environmental Management supports the amendments as
contained in Bill No. 170.
Sincerely,
Daniel Girvan, P.E.
Director
CC: Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Director
Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer