[HIham] [Fwd: Requesting support of HB 2773 and HB 2774

[Ron Hashiro]

Team,

Below is my submission of testimony on HB2773 and 2774.

Ron Hashiro, AH6RH

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Requesting support of HB 2773 and HB 2774, Relating to 
Condominum Property Regimes and Subdivisions
Date: 	Wed, 25 Feb 2004 00:27:19 -1000
From: 	Ron Hashiro <rhashiro@verizon.net>
To: 	testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov
CC: 	rephiraki@capitol.hawaii.gov, repluke@Capitol.hawaii.gov



Dear COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND COMMERCE,

Rep. Kenneth T. Hiraki, Chair
Rep. Robert N. Herkes, Vice Chair

I am writing to testify in support for House Bills 2773 and 2774 
relating to allowing
reasonable amateur radio antennas and antenna structures on Condominiums
and in Subdivisions that are currently restricted by covenant.

Suggested Revision

The jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission is limited to 
communications
matters and does not directly involve approval of equipment such as 
conduits, chases and wires
which are more closely related to electrical work.  As such, I ask that 
the phrase in
HB 2773 (1) (b) (2) (c) which currently reads:

    * The antennas, conduits, chases, wires,
    * and other telecommunications equipment
    * are approved by the Federal Communications Commission

be changed to read:

    * The antennas,
    * and other telecommunications equipment
    * are approved by the Federal Communications Commission

If you have further questions or comments, please feel free to contact me
at work at 948-5349, or via e-mail at rhashiro@gte.net.

Sincerely,

Ron Hashiro
Amateur Radio Operator AH6RH
26th Representative District


Background

Antennas are a vital part of the overall strategy of using 
communications volunteers
readily available and distributed throughout communities in the State of 
Hawaii as a
deterrent and response force for terrorism, natural and man-made 
disasters, and similar
situations involving county and state Civil Defense.

Amateur radio operators have a proven track record of providing reliable
communications when all forms of other vital communications, including 
telephone,
cellular phones and government radio systems fail.  These House Bills 
would make
it possible for hundreds of citizens who are amateurs throughout the 
State of Hawaii
that are currently restricted by covenant to extend such added capabilities.

Our goal during emergencies is to be capable of round-the-clock 
communications
between all points in Hawaii.  By placing antennas outdoors, the range 
and capabilities
of amateur radio operators are increased tremendously.

I myself am a long standing amateur radio operator currently under such 
restrictions
in Makiki.  I am able to make only limited contributions from my unit under
the current settings.  And I am reluctant to buy a home in new 
subdivisions that
come with such restrictions.  As such, I ask for support to provide 
reasonable
access to setting up antennas and related equipment to provide instant 
response
and serve this island in times of disaster.

Hurricane Iniki

The role of amateur radio communications for the well being of the residents
of Hawaii has been effectively handled behind the scenes out of the media
spotlight.  Among the many emergencies handled range from the May 1986
"tsunami exercise" that grid locked Oahu to the response to Hurricane Iniki.

As part of a team of amateur radio operators, I personally handled the first
radiotelephone communications between Governor Waihee and Mayor Joanne
Yukimura.  That call occurred during the peak of the hurricane when no 
other means
of contact was available.  That call confirmed the extent of the 
devastation,
expedited the response for Federal level assistance and financing and
spurred the people state-wide to pour out their aloha and generosity to
the people of Kauai.

As the day continued into night, the Mayor's office was patched directly 
to KSSK-AM
using radios and Oahu telephones to give timely announcements and direction
to the residents of Kauai, especially the medical evacuations. Radio 
transmissions
were used to coordinate the medical evacuation by helicopter of persons with
severe puncture wounds from flying glass from broken plate glass windows,
and the timely evacuation of over 50 kidney dialysis patients to Oahu.

The restoration of the inter island telephone system was accomplished
over amateur radio frequencies by two key amateur operators who
worked for the phone company.

These are just a handful of documented examples where amateur radio
operations aided the people of Kauai when no other means of
communications was available.

National Contribution

These contributions have influenced national events.  Having served
as a volunteer for emergency communications with the State of Hawaii
Civil Defense and Oahu Civil Defense Agency with over 20 years
of knowledge and experience, and as a communications component
of Hawaii's Urban Search and Rescue team, I captured the experience
into course material which has since been incorporated into a certification
course sponsored by the national organization of amateur radio operators.

Over 3,000 hams across the nation took the course and were trained in
techniques developed and tested in Hawaii.  The expertise and personnel
served well during a wide range of disasters such the September 11, 2001
incidents involving the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  These
techniques were used with the recovery of the Shuttle Columbia.  Fairly
recently, amateurs throughout Southern California provided
communications during the extensive wildfires that scorched
thousands of acres.  All of these events were beneficiaries of the
lessons and skills learned, developed and tested with Hurricane Iniki
and employed by citizens of all walks of life.

Summary

HB 2773 and 2774 supports the hundreds of amateur
radio operators in Hawaii by making reasonable accommodations
for outdoor antennas.  I am one of the parties that would
be able to increase value to the community with such capabilities.
I ask for and encourage your support.




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