THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	123
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE 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.

 

 

     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

 

     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

 

     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

 

     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

 

     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

 

     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

 

     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,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, 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

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public health guidance and educational materials are requested to include:

 

     (1)  Summaries of findings of relevant scientific studies;

 

     (2)  Explanations of exposure sources and measurement methods;

 

     (3)  Descriptions of potential effects on human health and the environment;

 

     (4)  Information, including links to and references for applicable federal exposure standards;

 

     (5)  An explanation of how radiofrequency energy is transmitted, how exposure occurs, and the basic principles governing its interaction with people and the environment; and

 

     (6)  Procedures for how individuals may search for the locations of cellular towers in their neighborhoods; and

 

     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

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to conduct statewide radiofrequency energy measurements that:

 

     (1)  Include measurements of fifth-generation (5G) millimeter wave radiofrequency energy; and

 

     (2)  Specify the radiofrequency energy measurements in various locations alongside the potential health and environmental effects associated with those levels of radiofrequency energy exposure; and

 

     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

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

DOH; Public Health Guidance; Radiofrequency Exposure; Statewide Measurements