[HIham] HB 2773 and HB 2774 hearing Wed. Feb. 25: short time to act

[Kevin C. Bogan]

ARRL has sent me info on the bills that will be considered in a hearing in
two days, on Wednesday 25 Feb 2004.  Please read and act as soon as you can.
It will allow us, the Amateur Radio community, to break free from the CC &Rs
and Condo restrictions.  Even if it does not benefit you directly, I
encourage you to contact your representative as soon as possible to voice
your support of these bills.

Thank you in advance for your action,
Kevin Bogan, AH6QO
Section Manager, Pacific Section

Derek Riker, KB3JLF wrote me the following information.

The two bills are HB 2773 and HB 2774.  Below are summaries of the bills and
links to their text.  They are sponsored by Rep. Ken Hiraki who is also the
Chairman of jurisdiction for the committee the bills are being considered
in.  His staff has asked that we publicize a hearing that the Committee will
hold on both this Wednesday, February 25th.

Rep. Hiraki has asked amateurs in Hawaii to submit comments in support of
the legislation and the need to pass both.  The comments can be as short as
one-page or longer if necessary. However, amateurs, especially those who are
suffering under restrictions in either an apartment building or in a house
within a private association community, should participate.

They can be addressed and sent in letter form in following manner:

Rep. Kenneth Hiraki, Chairman
Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 320
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

The testimony in support of either or both bill can be sent either via fax
to 808-586-6181 or email at rephiraki@capitol.hawaii.gov

It should be sent as soon as possible as the hearing will be held on
Wednesday afternoon.

Here are links to the bills:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb2773_.htm
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb2774_.htm

HAWAII HB 2773
2773 would allow an amateur radio operator who is an apartment owner to
install antennas, wires, etc., without needing to seek the consent of any
association of apartment owners, or of the board thereof, or any managing
agent so long as the equipment is directly attached to the apartment owner's
apartment or to any limited common element reserved for the use of the
apartment.

HAWAII HB 2774

HB 2774 would allow federally licensed amateur radio operators living under
covenants and association restrictions to install antennas, conduits,
chases, wires, etc. directly attached to their residence or other permitted
structure on the their lot, provided that the installation of the equipment
does not directly affect any other lot owner in the subdivision.   The bill
defines "directly affect" as not in a manner that would specially,
personally, and adversely affect another lot owner in a manner not common to
the other lot owners of the subdivision as a whole.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me or Andrew in Rep. Hiraki's
office at garrett@capitol.hawaii.gov

Derek Riker
KB3JLF

Derek Riker, VP Govt. Relations
Chwat & Company, Inc.
625 Slaters Lane, Suite 103
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-7703