You know you're doing it right when the only opposition is a multi-million dollar lobbying organization funded by big telecom! 

Many attempts have been made along the way to sabotage our ordinance, but you are playing a crucial role! 🙏 Please don't stop now!! 

At the recent Hawaii County committee meeting Bill 194 had only one opposition testimony and it was a whopper. 

It was from the CTIA, a telecom lobbying organization with assets in the hundreds of millions of dollars and whose CEO makes $4 million a year. 

Their membership is Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and the like, and their mission is to represent the interests of big telecom corporations. 

Talk about David and Goliath! But it means our tower ordinance is good for the people!! 🥳 And that's why big telecom is threatened. 

With your continued participation we can see it through! 

Every action you take is helping advance this important ordinance that is protective of the people. 

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

What: Hawaii County Council PCLUED Committee meeting

When: Tuesday, Feb 4, 2:30pm  
Where: Hilo Council Chambers (or via Zoom)

Oral Testimony via Zoom: Email or call to request registration for PCLUED committee meeting
Email: councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov 
Call: (808) 961-8255 
Register by 12pm, Mon Feb 3. 

Written Testimony: Due 12pm, Mon, Feb 3.  
Email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov   Subject line: PCLUED Support Bill 194

WHAT TO SAY: 
 

IMPORTANT! Focus your testimony on ONE of the following talking points. 
PLEASE DON'T copy/paste the whole list! Please use your own words and tell your story!  

Pick ONE and add your own words... 

Subject line: Support Bill 194 

1. Please support Bill 194. Dozens of cities and counties across the country have adopted similar ordinances to protect property values, viewscapes, neighborhood character, and the preservation of beauty, which is especially important for us here on this amazing island home. No one wants to live next to a tower and properties don't sell if a tower is put up nearby. That's not fair. 
    
2. Please support Bill 194 because it reflects what we, the people, want. The bill was created in response to the needs of the community. It includes 5G small cells which 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. 
    
3. Please support Bill 194. After the devastating fires on Maui and in Los Angeles Bill 194 is necessary to protect our homes and businesses. Cell towers have caused large, damaging wildfires in California and other states. Bill 194 contains requirements to prevent fires. This is very important for our safety! 
    
4. Please support Bill 194. Electrical fires are especially dangerous and cannot be dealt with until the source is de-energized. Bill 194 contains requirements for emergency power shut-off and surge protection on towers and antennas. This is crucial for our safety. 
    
5. Please 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. 
    
6. Please support Bill 194. Without this legislation big telecom can do whatever they want. No one wants a tower in their neighborhood without their knowledge or consent. Right now they are popping up everywhere. The permit requirements in Bill 194 are necessary for our safety and to protect our property rights. 
    

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

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

Here's a link to the agenda: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=1097870&page=1&cr=1
 

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