Hawaii County's Board of Appeals rejected a bid to stop a new cell tower in Papaikou, but the decision was about paperwork, not the tower itself — bad news for nearby residents who oppose it.

• The board sided against residents, but only because their appeal missed the legal deadline.
• The tower was approved back in December 2024, which started a 30-day clock for anyone wanting to appeal.
• Residents told the board they didn't file in time because they never knew the project was happening.
• Board members said they were sympathetic but had no choice — the law requires appeals within 30 days, leaving no room for exceptions.

Outlook: With the appeal window long closed, the tower project is likely to move forward unless residents find another legal avenue to challenge it.