(BIVN) – A Use Permit application for a telecommunication facility off Moho Road in Hawaiian Aces sailed through the Windward Planning Commission on November 7.

Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, is looking to improve its coverage area in Puna. They want to site a new, non-manned telecommunication facility, consisting of a 198-foot tall self-supporting tower and related facilities within a 1,600-square foot lease area on a 3-acre parcel of land situated in the Hawaiian Acres, on Agricultural 3-acre county zoning district.

The Planning Department presented the details to the commission.

These projects sometimes create controversy. Earlier this year, a similar plan to put a cell tower in Hawaiian Paradise Park was met with community outcry.

But this location in Hawaiian Acres was not opposed. In fact, it had some support.

“There is no coverage. Its a safety and security issue,” said one testifier. “Put the tower up already. Let’s move on.”