Hawaii County committee amends telecom ordinance, postpones final action after public safety and preemption concerns

The Hawaii County Council Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development on April 15 amended proposed Bill 24 to change tower setback language, rejected an amendment addressing small wireless facilities, and postponed further action to May 20 for additional drafting and review.

The amended measure would revise Chapter 25 of the Hawaii County Code to update application requirements and standards for telecommunication antennas and towers. Committee Chair Ashley Kirkowitz presided over the meeting in Hilo with hybrid participation from Kona and Zoom.

Why it matters: committee members and members of the public said the ordinance touches public-safety communications, community notification and legal limits on county regulation of small wireless facilities. Fire and police officials warned the measure could affect first-responder communications; deputy corporation counsel said portions of the draft conflict with state law as written.

Public testimony and concerns

Several residents and community advocates testified on Bill 24. Michael Trask, a tugboat captain who said he lives across the street from a recently erected tower, told the committee he was not opposed to cell service but objected to towers placed “so close to the subdivision,” saying he and others had safety and health concerns. Chris Hirose of Mountain View urged support for the bill and for notification requirements, citing…