Big Island Wants to Ban Large Data Centers
Hawaii County is considering Bill 170, which would restrict large-scale data centers on the Big Island and potentially ban them except through a special-use permit. Residents and environmental advocates support a stronger ban because of concerns about electricity, water, grid capacity and aquifers, while officials are still debating how to define a data center.
Hawaii County Councilwoman Heather Kimball introduced Bill 170 to restrict large-scale data centers on the Big Island before any hyperscale facilities are built in Hawaii. The bill was reviewed by the Windward Planning Commission, which issued an unfavorable, nonbinding recommendation because commissioners said its definition of a data center was unclear; the Leeward Planning Commission and County Council will consider the measure next.
Hilo resident Christina Holt and the Hawaii island Sierra Club are urging an outright ban, citing potential impacts on the island's strained electric grid, aquifers and environment. Hawaiian Telecom government affairs manager Jeannine Souki warned that an overly broad definition could unintentionally prohibit essential telecommunications facilities. Hawaii State Energy Office officials, including Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick, are studying the issue but said Hawaii currently lacks the bandwidth and low-cost power that would attract hyperscale developers.