HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-28 McKenzie Wildey SupportFrom:McKenzie Wildey
To:Planning WPC Testimony
Subject:Bill 170 Testimony
Date:Monday, September 28, 2026 6:04:41 PM
Aloha,
My name is McKenzie Wildey and I live in Olaʻa, Kurtistown, Hawaiʻi Island.
I am writing to support the intent of Bill 170 and ask the Windward Planning Commission
to recommend a clear, objective definition of 'data center,' distinct from the county's existing'data processing facility' definition, rather than the current subjective language. I also ask the
Commission to reject the Planning Department's recommendation, which would create apermitted-use pathway for smaller data centers rather than close one.
Our proposed definition: 'Data center' means a facility, or two or more facilities on
contiguous or adjacent parcels under common ownership or control, whose primary purposeis housing, operating, or co-locating computer servers and associated cooling, power, and
support infrastructure, and whose combined electrical demand at full build-out meets orexceeds 5 megawatts.
It feels especially urgent to ensure Bill 170's language explicitly restricts the building of datacenters on Hawaiʻi island as our communities are currently experiencing the horrific effects
of anthropogenic climate change first hand. Our power grids are already stressed; afterhurricane Lala, it took 16.5 days for HECO to repair our power line and restore power to
our home - and that was with the support from electric companies on the continent. Thereare still many people without power. As more and more people move to Hawaiʻi island the
grid will only become more stressed. Our water is one of our most vital resources andshould not be diverted for cooling electronic equipment in data centers. All-in-all, it feels
like AI technology and data centers are being forced down our throats while many peopletry to scream that we donʻt want this technology in our lives, homes, or communities. I urge
you to do everything in your power to protect our land and natural resources from thedeleterious effects of data centers.
Our island's closed water system, fossil-fuel dependent grid, and already strainedinfrastructure cannot support hyperscale data centers. Please recommend the strongest
possible version of this bill to the County Council.
Mahalo,
McKenzie Wildey
Kurtistown, Hawaiʻi