HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-21 Janet Matlock Testimony
From: janet Matlock
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 and Planning Department input
Date: Monday, September 21, 2026 12:59:16 PM
Aloha Leeward Planning Commission and Planning Department,
My testimony is addressed to both the Leeward Planning Commission and the Planning Department because the community is being asked for input on the same concerns by both.
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 current proposal lacks substantial safeguards, including clear definitions, which must be
clarified prior to outlining regulations.
I do support the intent of Bill 170, section 1. However, I 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 could easily argue around in court. Along with many other concerned voices, I am
asking the Commission to recommend an objective, airtight definition grounded in what the facility physically contains and how much power it draws.
Specifically, I am asking the Commission to recommend this language:
"Data center" means a facility used for the industrial-scale operation of computer systems and
associated equipment for the processing, computing, transmission, or dissemination of digital data that requires supporting infrastructure beyond that typically accessory or incidental to
office, commercial, or public and private institutional uses, including a single facility and any campus of multiple facilities under common ownership or control whose combined electrical
demand meets or exceeds 5 megawatts.
As is obvious, we live on an island with limited and precious resources. Please be careful with language as well as intention to avoid squandering our resources on data centers.
Mahalo,
janet Matlock Kailua Kona