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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 (police, fire, ambulance) are exempt from the setback.
Why it matters: County officials and some public commentators said the ordinance balances a local desire for increased wireless connectivity with protections for community character, cultural resources and safety. Opponents pressed for a larger setback, citing studies and testimony they said show increased radiofrequency exposure at closer distances.
Public testimony and technical points: Testimony at the June 4 meeting came from residents and from Safetec Hawai'i and other community groups; many urged maintaining a larger 1,200-foot setback or even greater distances. Chris Hirosay and Naomi Milamed of Safetec Hawai'i told the council that the bill reflects significant discussion in the Planning Commission and earlier committees and that the 600-foot setback is an attempt at compromise: “Bill 24 updates county law to comply with state law… and includes a setback requirement for our safety and welfare,” Milamed said during testimony.
Supporters stressed the need for modernized rules and the difficulty of balancing public safety, connectivity and federal preemption. The ordinance clarifies permitting pathways, updates definitions and clarifies types of facilities that require planning director approval rather than a contested-case public hearing.
Council action: The council adopted a clarifying amendment excluding wireline broadband technologies (DSL, cable, fiber-to-the-premises) from the ordinance—s wireless-focused language. With that technical amendment, the motion to approve Bill 24 (draft 5) on first reading carried unanimously on the dais.
Outcome: Bill 24 passed first reading (vote recorded as 9-0). It now moves through the remaining steps required before final adoption; the planning department and staff will prepare implementing procedures and any required rulemaking.
Sources: Hawaii County Council meeting transcript, June 4, 2025; testimony from Safetec Hawai'i and other members of the public.
