Hawaii County Council adopts overhaul of telecom rules with 600-foot setback and planning approval

The Hawaii County Council on June 18 adopted Bill 24 (Draft 6), an overhaul of county regulations for telecommunication antennas and towers, at second and final reading after a period of public testimony and council discussion.

Bill 24 updates Hawaii County Code chapter 25 (articles 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7) to change application requirements and siting standards for towers and antennas, remove the contested-case allowance, allow telecommunications facilities in more zoning districts, require planning director approval for permits, and set a 600-foot minimum setback from residences and school buildings. The council approved the measure by voice vote; the clerk declared the motion carried with nine ayes.

The change matters because it responds to competing goals raised in testimony: community members said they want connectivity but asked the council to limit onsite risks and preserve neighborhood character; industry and planners sought a regulatory framework that complies with state law and federal constraints. The ordinance…