HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	197
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REquesting a study that summarizes the published reports and studies on the effects of 5G wireless technology on biological life.

WHEREAS, 5G refers to 5th generation wireless technology intended to provide faster and higher capacity transmissions to carry the massive data load generated by smart devices, the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, driverless cars, and other machine-to-machine connections; and

WHEREAS, 5G uses spectrum in the existing Long-Term Evolution frequency range, commonly known by the acronym LTE, and also includes the higher millimeter wave frequencies never before used for Internet or cell phones; and

WHEREAS, 5G relies on millions of new small cell antennas that will be clustered lower to the ground and closer to homes and schools; and

WHEREAS, on June 21, 2018, the Governor signed Act 49, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, which clears the way for implementation of 5G in Hawaii by standardizing the process of 5G small cell deployments; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded in 2011 that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B); and

WHEREAS, the Council of Europe published a report on May 6, 2011, on the dangers to public health of electromagnetic fields, calling for lowering the exposure limits; and

WHEREAS, United States National Institutes of Health National Toxicology Program studies have found increased rates of tumors in lab animals exposed to radio frequency radiation; and

WHEREAS, studies have found potential negative health effects associated with 5G wireless radiation; and

WHEREAS, due to the uncertainty of the effects of 5G on biological life, a review should be conducted on the scientific research regarding whether 5G could affect the health of Hawaii's residents and the surrounding wildlife; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2019, the Senate concurring, that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to conduct a study that summarizes the salient points of existing published reports and studies from reputable sources that have evaluated the effects of 5G on biological life, highlighting any information that could apply to the biological life of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to submit a report of its findings to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2020; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

5G; Cellular; Cancer; Study: Public Utilities Commission; Biological Life