Relating To Aviation Safety.
This legislation will potentially amend existing statutes by prohibiting the installation or deployment of wireless facilities that utilize 5G technology within a specified radius of state airports. The department of transportation, in cooperation with aviation representatives, will determine this radius, giving state authorities the ability to navigate and manage telecommunications infrastructure around critical aviation sites. By establishing such regulations, the bill seeks to mitigate risks associated with communication interference that could affect aircraft operations, thereby enhancing public safety and fostering confidence in the aviation sector.
House Bill 1915 aims to address concerns regarding aviation safety in relation to the rollout of fifth-generation cellular technology, or 5G, near state airports and navigational equipment. The bill arises from findings that the strength of 5G signals in the United States is estimated to be twice that of comparable implementations in other countries, raising valid apprehensions about potential hazards to air travel. Given Hawaii's economic reliance on air travel for both tourism and essential goods transportation, the legislature believes it necessary to regulate 5G installations to safeguard the health and safety of its citizens and the operational integrity of its air transportation system.
Some points of contention surrounding HB 1915 may include debates on the balance between advancing communication technology and ensuring public safety. Opponents might argue that imposing such restrictions could hinder the deployment of modern technology critical to state infrastructure and economic growth. Conversely, supporters may emphasize the need for safety and the protection of the highly sensitive operations involving air travel, especially in a state like Hawaii, where geographical factors make air transport a lifeline for its multi-island community.