Posted on: Monday, July 9, 2001

Mililani antenna inaction angers community members

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Nearly a year into their fight to rid their neighborhood of an AT&T Wireless Services antenna due largely to health concerns, residents of Puneki Way in Mililani Mauka are getting upset.

Three times this year the city Planning Commission has deferred action on the antenna. This week, the commission announced that it will delay proceedings again. The issue will be heard Aug. 22, instead of July 11 as expected.

"We're really angry," said resident Susan Mundo, whose home stands about 20 feet from the antenna. "They keep putting us off and putting us off."

Planning Commission chairman Charlie Rodgers said no date or location for the continuation of the hearing was announced at the commission's June 27 meeting, when no action could be taken due to lack of a quorum. The issue then was expected to be heard at the commission's July meeting, but Rodgers said according to Planning Commission rules, without an announced date and location, a new public notice is required, with 30 days needed on hearings for a special use permit.

The antenna was installed in September on land leased from the Board of Water Supply. Lissa Guild, public relations manager for AT&T, said all requirements were met to place the antenna at the site, including explaining the project several times to the neighborhood board.

But residents say they didn't receive proper notice about the plan, and AT&T didn't obtain a special use permit before installing the 57-foot-tall antenna. Because the antenna sits on property zoned for agricultural use, a special use permit is required for nonagricultural uses.

During the next two months, the Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board asked the city to seek alternate sites farther from homes and to reconsider its approval of the antenna.

In November, AT&T applied for a special use permit after the fact. The Planning Commission held a required public hearing in February regarding AT&T's application.

Following emotional testimony from residents against the antenna, Rodgers said more time was needed to research the issue of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields, and the commission deferred its vote to March.

In March, AT&T asked for a 60-day deferral on the permit vote, which was granted by the commission so the company could look for an alternate site.

The next commission meeting took place June 27, but no action was taken because only five members were in attendance.

Now AT&T's latest request — for a six-month deferral to allow time to collect other city approvals needed to move its antenna to a pole owned by Hawaiian Electric Co. — is scheduled to be heard Aug. 22.

"We're outraged the commission canceled again," said Ed Uchida, whose three grandchildren play in the area.

Neighborhood board Chairwoman Jeanette Nekota said the residents have major health concerns. Many are concerned over radiation and risks from radio frequency and electromagnetic fields, especially on the children.

"In the early '80s pesticide in the water wells affected our kids," Nekota said. "We're now asking ourselves, are we doing it again with the antennas?"

Nekota said she hoped there would be a way for the different antenna companies to work with the community in deciding where to put their antennas.

"Poles, antennas could be put in designated areas, not near residences," she said.

"Companies need to work with us. We're willing to help with setting aside space for them."