T-Mobile West Corp. has applied for a permit to build a telecommunications antenna facility at Kualoa Ranch, according to a notice published by the Office of Environmental Quality Control.

The facility will consist of a 105-foot tower, a concrete pad, electrical and equipment cabinets, and support infrastructure, the notice said. The tower is a so-called "monopine," which is made to look like an artifical pine tree.

The applicant says the facility is needed to improve spotty coverage and meet the increase in customer demand for wireless communication service in the Waiahole and Kualoa area.

The entire property is part of the Kualoa Ahupua'a Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The proposed telecommunications antenna will occupy a portion of the property near the southwestern boundary, the notice said.

The area is zoned as a general agricultural district, and has a 25-foot height limit. The company is applying for a conditional use permit for a utility installation and a waiver to exceed the height limit.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.