We have
(x^2 / .25) - (y^2 / 9 ) = 1
And, let's assume that the base of the pillar lies on the line y = -2
Then, since the pillars are 4 m high, at the top of the pillar, y = 2
So we have
x^2 / .25 - 2^9 / 9 = 1
x^2 / .25 - 4/9 = 1 add 4/9 to each side
x^2 / .25 = 1 + 4/9
x^2 / .25 = 13 / 9 multiply by .25 on both sides
x^2 = (.25 * 13) / 9
x^2 = 13/36
x = ±√(13) / 6
And these are the two x values on the hyperbola when y = 2
So.....the distance between these two x values is the width of the cross-section at the top of the pillar = (2)√(13)/6 = (1/3)√(13) = aboiut 1.2019 m
Here's a graph of the situation.........https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ts3acz4ffr