An Oct. 6 article on smart meters contained many misleading statements.
First, the California Council on Science and Technology is an industry-affiliated group, and its report has been refuted by independent experts. Daniel Hirsch, from the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that the radiation from a smart meter is many times greater than that from a cellphone. It radiates the entire body, where a cellphone radiates a very small portion of the brain. The CCST is comparing apples with oranges in an effort to minimize the microwave radiation of a wireless meter.
Second, the statement by "55 Canadian scientists and engineers" was, in fact, written by Lorne Trottier, a telecommunications multimillionaire who has given huge grants to the two institutions who supported this statement. None are experts in the field of biological effects of radiation or in electrical engineering. Some taught such nonrelevant topics as geography and architecture. A group of 50-plus experts in the field from around the world signed a statement refuting the Trottier group's information.
Third, Maui Electric Co. should be called on its assurances of security of data. There have been warnings from experts in the CIA, House of Representatives, FBI and other agencies that the data and the grid itself are subject to hacking and/or attack. No wireless communications can be made secure.
The Maui News readers deserve to have an opportunity to consider the safety and security of these wireless transmitters before agreeing to have them installed on their homes.
Sharon Noble
Director
Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
Victoria, British Columbia
