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SCR131
THE SENATE
S.C.R. NO.
131
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
SENATE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
Requesting the Department of Health to develop, publish,
and periodically update public health guidance and educational materials regarding
radiofrequency energy exposure from cellular towers
.
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WHEREAS,
since the launch of fifth-generation wireless technology, commonly known as 5G,
in the State in 2018, thousands of new small cell antennas clustered lower to
the ground and closer to homes and schools have been erected to support its
adoption; and
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WHEREAS, while
the widespread implementation of 5G purportedly supports faster and higher
capacity transmissions to power diverse new technologies, concerns regarding
its health impacts have continued, particularly due to increased radiofrequency
exposure resulting from more cellular towers and antennas nearer to populous
areas; and
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WHEREAS,
studies have demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation from cellular towers is
harmful for trees, causing significant damage that includes loss of leaves spreading
from the side of the tree facing the cellular tower; and
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WHEREAS, a
2018 National Toxicology Program study found that radiofrequency radiation from
second- and third-generation cellular networks may correlate with health issues
such as tumors in the hearts, brains, and adrenal glands of rats; and
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WHEREAS, the
National Toxicology Program elected not to initiate a new study of the effects
of fourth- and fifth-generation cellular networks, however, other studies and
anecdotal evidence suggest 5G may pose even greater human health risks; and
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WHEREAS, in
California, for example, firefighters have reportedly spent fifteen years and
millions of dollars fighting against the erection of cell towers located near
their stations due to symptoms including headaches, extreme fatigue, and
cognitive impairment; and
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WHEREAS, given
the higher radiofrequency exposure caused by 5G and its proliferation
throughout the State, it is integral to study and disseminate to the public
information regarding this technology's potential health impacts; now,
therefore,
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BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the
Department of Health is requested to develop, publish, and periodically update
public health guidance and educational materials regarding radiofrequency
energy exposure from cellular towers; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the public health guidance and educational materials are
requested to include:
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(1)
�
Summaries of findings of relevant scientific
studies;
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(2)
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Explanations of exposure sources and
measurement methods;
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(3)
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Descriptions of potential effects on human
health and the environment;
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(4)
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Information, including links to and references
for applicable federal exposure standards;
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(5)
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An explanation of how radiofrequency energy is
transmitted, how exposure occurs, and the basic principles governing its
interaction with people and the environment; and
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(6)
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Procedures for how individuals may search for
the locations of cellular towers in their neighborhoods; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to publish the public
health guidance and educational materials on its public website and upon
request, provide copies to members of the public by mail; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to conduct statewide
radiofrequency energy measurements that:
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(1)
�
Include measurements of fifth-generation (5G)
millimeter wave radiofrequency energy; and
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(2)
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Specify the radiofrequency energy measurements
in various locations alongside the potential health and environmental effects
associated with those levels of radiofrequency energy exposure; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to publish the statewide
radiofrequency energy measurements and any findings on its public website; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the
Director of Health.
OFFERED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
�
DOH;
Public Health Guidance; Radiofrequency Exposure; Statewide Measurements