HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-20 Renee Perrington Testimony
From: renee perrington
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Inaba, Holeka; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Villegas, Rebecca; Galimba, Michelle M.; Onishi, Dennis;
Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Alameda, Christian (Kimo);
generalpla@hawaiicounty.gov; Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Testimony Bill 170 & Planning Department input
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026 6:02:28 PM
Aloha Leeward Planning Commission and Planning Department,
Aloha, my name is Renee Perrington and I am from Holualoa. My testimony addresses both the Leeward Planning Commission and the Planning Department because you are asking the community for input on the same concerns simultaneously.
I am asking our planning commissioners to reject the Planning Department’s recommendation, which prematurely revises regulations before defining what a data center is. Their proposal currently lacks substantial safeguards. We must work to clarify definitions before defining regulations.
I support the intent of Bill 170, section 1, and urge the Leeward Planning Commission to recommend a stronger definition of "data center" that distinguishes data-center processing. The original bill defines a data center using subjective language that a developer's attorney can easily argue around in court. I am asking the commission to recommend an objective, airtight definition grounded in what the facility physically contains and how much power it has.
Everyday there are more and more health issues arising in communities with data centers nearby. You need to ensure that you are looking after the people of Hawaii, not big businesses trading humanity’s well being for profit and control.
Anything less would not be pono.
Mahalo, Renee Perrington Holualoa, HI
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