Posted on: Tuesday, July 6, 2004

Nextel proposes 'stealth antenna' in Kalama Valley

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

Kalama Valley — In an effort to improve cellular phone coverage, Nextel Communications wants to erect a fake 50-foot palm tree with 3 to 10 feet of whip antennas on top at the corner of Kealahou Street and Hawai'i Kai Drive.

The palm tree would be built in a fenced-in equipment shelter on Hawai'i Kai Golf Course property.

It wasn't the company's first choice for a location.

Nextel had preferred sites at the shopping center or next to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply reservoir tower, both in Kalama Valley, but concerns about security and the future of the shopping center blocked the company's efforts, said Pete Jaeger, Nextel technical operations manager.

The company has installed similar antennas in other locations, such as atop flagpoles in Mililani and in Hilo, Hawai'i, Jaeger said. The company presented its plans, as it is required to do by the city, at the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board meeting last week. The board voted in favor of the company's antenna plans, but there were not enough votes to make it official.

"We always try to work with the community," Jaeger said. "Other carriers have used stealth antennas. It's a common practice on the Mainland. They're useful in certain neighborhoods."

Nextel still must submit an application for a conditional use permit to the city before it can build the antenna.

Jane Dodson, who lives in Queen's Gate, said she didn't think that the antenna would fly with the community and wanted to see pictures before making her decision.

"I don't think it will be pleasing to the eye," Dodson said. "We don't want an eyesore in the community."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.