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Council advances telecommunications ordinance with 600-foot setback and permit changes
Summary
The Hawaii County Council approved a planning-department-drafted change to county telecommunication rules that removes contested-case hearings and keeps a 600-foot setback from schools and residences while aligning county rules with state law. Supporters said it balances connectivity and safety; opponents sought a larger setback.
HILO — The Hawaii County Council voted to advance an updated telecommunications ordinance intended to align county permitting of antennas and towers with the state law while adding local protections, including a 600-foot setback from residences and schools.
The measure, known as Bill 24 (draft 5), removes the contested-case allowance for permits and streamlines approvals so that planning director-level review is possible for many wireless small-cell and tower permits. The ordinance also permits telecommunications facilities in more zones but imposes a 600-foot setback intended to reduce visual and proximity impacts for sensitive uses; emergency services…
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