Hawaii House Bill HCR175

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Adopt Or Amend Administrative Rules To Prohibit The Installation Or Deployment Of Facilities That Use Fifth-generation Cellular Network Technology, Or 5g Technology, Near State Airports And Navigational Equipment.

Impact

The resolution underscores the critical dependence Hawaii has on air travel, particularly for its vital visitor industry and inter-island transportation. It expresses apprehensions that the deployment of 5G technology could compromise safety, given its proximity to sensitive navigational equipment that guides aircraft operations. By requesting specific regulatory actions, HCR175 aims to safeguard critical safety infrastructures that support the aviation sector—a central pillar of Hawaii’s economy.

Summary

HCR175 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii that requests the Department of Transportation to revise its administrative rules to prohibit the installation or deployment of facilities utilizing fifth-generation cellular network technology, commonly referred to as 5G technology, within specified proximities to state airports and navigational instruments. This resolution arises from safety concerns associated with the potential impact of 5G technology on aviation operations, particularly regarding the frequencies used for radio waves that are in close range to those utilized by radar altimeters, essential equipment for pilots.

Contention

There is a notable discourse surrounding the balance of advancing telecommunications technology and ensuring aviation safety. While proponents of 5G highlight its potential benefits, such as increased connectivity and service speed, the resolution advocates for caution due to unresolved concerns about its effects on navigational equipment and the overarching framework of federal and state regulatory responsibilities. By limiting 5G installations near sensitive aviation areas, HCR175 seeks to create an additional layer of safety while addressing the unique needs of Hawaii’s multi-island geography.