Legislation on Broadband Passed: This new law aims to enhance availability and affordability of dependable high-speed internet connections.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke Signs Landmark Broadband Legislation

Legislation on Broadband Passed: This new law aims to enhance availability and affordability of dependable high-speed internet connections.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, acting as governor with Gov. Josh Green in D.C., signed House Bill 934 into law on Monday. The bill shifts the responsibility for improving broadband internet access statewide from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to the Department of Accounting and General Services.

Luke proclaimed, "This bill takes a necessary step toward a future where every resident, regardless of geography, age, or income, can connect to affordable, reliable broadband internet for access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities."

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Greggor Ilagan, a Puna Democrat, includes a name change for the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to the simple Broadband Office. It also allocates funds for the new office.

This move, Luke explained, will help ensure that children from the East to the West coasts can use the internet effectively for their daily lives. She emphasized the importance of providing more internet options for elderly individuals struggling with spotty service, job seekers facing incompatible website formats, and learners overwhelmed by online banking.

Luke, referencing the $6 million in federal digital equity funding cut by the Trump administration, noted, "This bill is just the start. The entire broadband funding is close to $400 million." This funding refers to Connect Kakou, a statewide broadband initiative spearheaded by Gov. Green's office aimed at ensuring high-speed internet access in communities across Hawaii.

"This bill strengthens strategic broadband coordination and digital skills to improve the lives of people from all walks of life," said Luke. The Broadband Office's new location under the Department of Accounting and General Services will allow it to align with broader strategic technology management and governance.

State Librarian Stacy Aldrich, who oversees the successful pilot of the Digital Navigators program, agreed. The Digital Navigators provide one-on-one counselors to help program participants develop their computer skills. The program will now expand across the state, set to launch this fall.

A program participant, Beth Rasmussen, hailed the program, acknowledging the assistance she received with creating files, managing pictures, and sending emails.

Speaker of the House Nadine Nakamura commended the consideration put into the bill, noting its importance for bridging the digital divide throughout the state.

While Rep. Ilagan couldn't be reached for comment by The Tribune-Herald, the legislation sets a promising path for Hawaii's digital future, working toward universal access to essential internet services.

[1] Hawaii House of Representatives. (2022). House Bill 934. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/actions/Bill%20Summaries/HB934.html[2] Hawaii Tribune-Herald. (2022). Digital navigators to help residents learn digital skills. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2023/01/01/digital-navigators-to-help-residents-learn-digital-skills/[4] Connect Kakou. (2021). About Us. https://www.connectkakou.org/about-us/

The legislation signed by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will ideally help job seekers overcome incompatible website formats by ensuring high-speed internet access across Hawaii.
The Broadband Office, now under the Department of Accounting and General Services, aims to improve the lives of individuals from all walks by fostering strategic broadband coordination and digital skills.
In the realm of education, the Digital Navigators program, set to launch this fall, will provide one-on-one counselors to help learners enhance their digital skills, like creating files, managing pictures, and sending emails.