I know it seems this process is going on forever (believe me I know!) but the end is near. 

The upcoming PCLUED meeting is when decisions will be made - what stays and what gets eliminated - in the battle of dueling ordinances (Bill 194 vs Bill 24). 

Your testimony helps advance an ordinance that is protective of the people (Bill 194), and not big telecom (Bill 24)! 

DEADLINE for Written Comments: 12pm Friday
DEADLINE to attend Zoom meeting: 12pm Friday

What: Hawaii County Council PCLUED Committee meeting

When: Tuesday, Feb 18, 3:30pm  
Where: Hilo Council Chambers (or via Zoom) 

Oral Testimony via Zoom: Email or call to request registration for PCLUED committee meeting, testimony on Bill 194 & Bill 24 (6 minutes total) 
Email: councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov 
Call: (808) 961-8255 
Register by 12pm, Fri Feb 14. 

Written Testimony: Due 12pm, Fri Feb 14.  
Email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov  Subject line: PCLUED Support Bill 194

WHAT TO SAY: Pick ONE and add your own words... 

Subject line: PCLUED Support Bill 194 

1. Please support Bill 194. It provides uniform regulations across the board. Unlike Bill 24, which exempts properties in a long list of zoning districts from even applying for a permit. No one wants to live next to a cell tower and with so many districts exempted - no permit needed - people who live next to those districts will be adversely affected. Their property values, viewscapes, and neighborhood character will be downgraded by close proximity to cell towers and antennas. That's not right. 
    
2. Please support Bill 194 because it reflects what we, the people, want and was created in response to the needs of the community. Unlike Bill 24, which had no community input at all, was written by a non-elected official, is obviously beneficial to big telecom, and we didn't even have access to that bill until the recent meeting when it was introduced. How is that fair to your constituents? 
    
3. Please support Bill 194 because it requires more documentation from telecommunications companies in order to obtain a permit. This is necessary for big telecom to be transparent and held accountable. In contrast, Bill 24 gives too much power to the Planning Director to make all decisions and lacks involvement from other agencies. Bill 194 includes agency involvement which provides important, necessary checks and balances.  
    
4. Please support Bill 194 because it includes 5G small cells whereas Bill 24 doesn't! 5G must be regulated. Hawaii county already passed a resolution to halt 5G years ago. Bill 194 follows up on that by providing necessary regulations that include 5G small cells. 5G is an untested and novel technology that has raised alarm bells around the world and has caused dozens of local jurisdictions across the country to adopt ordinances that regulate 5G deployments. Big Island needs this. 
    

If you can attend the meeting online or in person, that's best! If not, please submit written testimony. 

If you missed the Friday deadline, submit now. All testimony, regardless of when it's submitted, becomes part of the record. 

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