Hawai’i County has taken a decisive step that could ripple far beyond the Big Island. In a move aimed at reshaping how wireless infrastructure coexists with communities, local leaders have approved a new ordinance restricting how close cell towers can be built near homes and schools.

The measure is being described as a landmark shift in policy, and supporters believe it may influence similar efforts across the state.

A First-Of-Its-Kind Move In Hawaii

Hawai’i County, widely known as the Big Island, has passed an ordinance limiting how close cell towers may be constructed to homes and schools. The ordinance is the first of its kind in the island state, and Debra Greene, founder of Safe Tech Hawaii, said this “paves the way for other local jurisdictions in Hawaii to follow suit and implement similar ordinances.”

Meanwhile, advocacy groups and legal experts played a central role behind the scenes. The legal team at Environmental Health Trust, often referred to as EHT, worked alongside residents and Safe Tech Hawaii for months to help push the regulation forward.

“The passage of Bill 24 is a notable victory because, to my knowledge, Hawai’i County, with a population of over 200,000, is the largest community in the U.S. with 600-foot installation setbacks,” said Environmental Health Trust Legal Fellow Zoe Berg.

Residents Push Back On Wireless Expansion

The ordinance, passed unanimously on June 19, 2025, signals strong local sentiment. Many residents have argued that additional wireless coverage is unnecessary and have actively campaigned to keep new towers at a safer distance.

However, this isn’t the first time the county has shown caution toward wireless expansion. Back in 2020, Hawai’i County approved a resolution calling for a pause on 5G deployment until independent studies could assess the safety of radiofrequency radiation emissions.

At the same time, the broader connectivity landscape in Hawaii is evolving. Earlier this year, Hawaiian Telcom announced an ambitious plan to make the state fully fiber-enabled by 2026, potentially reducing reliance on wireless networks altogether.

Health And Safety Take Center Stage

Supporters of the ordinance argue that the new rules are grounded in public safety concerns. The idea is simple, yet powerful: keep potentially hazardous infrastructure at a reasonable distance from sensitive areas.

“The passage of Bill 24 in Hawai’i County acknowledges that buffers between powerful, wireless radiation-emitting technology and sensitive environments like homes and schools are important to protect public safety and public health,” Zoe Berg said. “We thank Debra Greene and all of the residents of Hawai’i County for their hard work in getting Bill 24 passed. We also thank the honorable members of the Hawai’i County Council for supporting more responsible, thoughtful wireless telecommunications infrastructure siting throughout the county.”

Telecom Concerns And Final Compromise

Not everyone welcomed the measure without hesitation. Major telecom companies, including Verizon and AT&T, submitted letters raising concerns about the strict setback requirements and sought waivers.

Still, those requests were ultimately denied.

That said, the final version of the bill reflects a negotiated middle ground. While the permitting process for telecom companies has been streamlined, stricter safety standards have been introduced. Towers must now be engineered to withstand winds of at least 100 mph.

In addition, most towers must be placed more than 600 feet away from homes and schools, with exceptions allowed for emergency communication facilities. There is also a requirement that towers maintain a minimum distance equal to 120% of their height from all property lines.

In contrast, other parts of Hawaii operate under looser rules. On Oahu, for instance, towers can be installed at distances as short as one-fifth of their height from nearby properties, raising concerns about structural risks.

A Growing National And Global Trend

Hawai’i County is not alone in rethinking how cell towers are regulated. Across the United States, dozens of communities have introduced similar ordinances that address the size and placement of wireless infrastructure with public safety in mind.

States such as New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Idaho, California, and Massachusetts have all seen local governments adopt stricter siting rules.

Internationally, the trend extends even further. Several countries in Europe and beyond have introduced policies designed to limit children’s exposure to cell phones and wireless radiation.

What Comes Next For Communities

The passage of this ordinance may serve as a blueprint for other regions considering similar measures. Advocates are already encouraging communities to take action by exploring legal frameworks, scientific research, and grassroots organizing strategies.

For those looking to push for safer placement of cell towers, resources are available that outline steps for building local campaigns, protecting vulnerable populations, and preserving property values.

The question now is simple: will other communities follow Hawai’i County’s lead?