The proposed bill will be heard in Committee (not by the full Council) AND your testimony is still needed!  

What: Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Development (PCPLUD)

When: Tuesday, August 20, 11 a.m. 
Where: Hilo Council Chambers, Hawai‘i County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, First Floor, Room 1401 (or via Zoom)

DEADLINE to Register for Zoom meeting: 12 p.m., Monday, August 19 
DEADLINE for Written Comments: 12 p.m., Monday, August 19
 

Voice your SUPPORT for Bill 194! 

WHAT TO SAY: 
 

IMPORTANT! Focus your testimony on ONE of the following talking points. 
PLEASE DON'T copy/paste the whole list! Council members don't appreciate cookie-cutter testimony! 

Pick ONE and add your own words, but be brief! Council members are busy. No time to read a ton of info. 

1. I support Bill 194 because standards and requirements are needed to curb the proliferation of wireless towers and antennas. They are an eye sore and have been shown to reduce property values. https://ehtrust.org/cell-phone-towers-lower-property-values-documentation-research/ 
    
2. Please support Bill 194. After the devastating fires on Maui legislation like this must be put in place to protect our homes and businesses. Cell towers have been tied to large, damaging wild fires in California and other states. Bill 194 contains an easement requirement and monitoring equipment requirement for the fire department, as well as necessary shielding against fire risk. Very important! 
    
3. Please support Bill 194. Electrical fires are especially dangerous and cannot be dealt with by anyone until the source is de-energized. Bill 194 contains a requirement for an emergency power shut-off mechanism on towers and antennas. This is essential for the protection of people and property. 
    
4. I support Bill 194 because it contains a set-back requirement from every property line. We get some very intense winds here on the island and if a tower were to topple over it could do some real damage to those who live nearby. We need this for our protection and safety. 
    
5. Please support Bill 194. Without this legislation it's a free-for-all. Big telecom can do whatever they want. No one wants a tower in their neighborhood without their knowledge or consent. Right now they are just popping up everywhere. Permit requirements are necessary for our safety and protection. 

If you can attend the meeting online or in person, that's great! If not, please submit written testimony before Monday 12 noon! 
 

If you're concerned about the proliferation of cell towers and antennas, it's time to speak up! 💪