HI SB851

Classifies small wireless facilities and associated utility poles as permitted uses exempt from zoning review or approval when deployed in unserved or underserved areas in Hawaii.

Defines "underserved area" as any area served by fewer than two wireless providers offering broadband at speeds of 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload.

Defines "unserved area" as a census block where broadband service meeting those speed standards is unavailable to 20 percent or more of the census block population.

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 206N-4 to add unserved and underserved areas as a third category where small wireless facilities can be deployed without zoning restrictions, in addition to existing right-of-way and non-conservation zoning categories.

Takes effect upon approval and does not modify existing permitting processes for wireline backhaul placement in the right of way.