With the signing of House Bill 934 this week, the state’s efforts to achieve universal broadband access will be officially coordinated via a centralized State Broadband Office.

What You Need To Know

  • Act 201, formally establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services
  • In addition to coordinating broadband deployment across public and private sectors, the office will be responsible for administering grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, overseeing strategic broadband investments and ensuring high-speed internet access is extended to underserved communities statewide
  • Act 201 also provides funding for six digital navigators, who will support digital literacy programs in libraries and other venues across the state
  • The state has opened a request for proposals for the Hawaii Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage community digital navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor while Gov. Josh Green is in Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials and attend the annual Hawaii on the Hill event, signed the measure into law on Monday.

“With the signing of House Bill 934, Hawaii is taking a necessary step toward a future where every resident, regardless of geography, age or income, can connect to and use affordable, reliable broadband internet to access education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” said Luke, who leads the state’s Connect Kakou high-speed internet initiative. “This law not only lays the groundwork for much-needed services — it also helps ensure keiki through kupuna acquire the skills and support they need to use the internet to improve their daily lives.”

The measure, now Act 201, formally establishes the State Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services. In addition to coordinating broadband deployment across public and private sectors, the office will be responsible for administering grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, overseeing strategic broadband investments and ensuring high-speed internet access is extended to underserved communities statewide.

“Access to high-speed internet is vital for every aspect of our lives,” said state Rep. Greggor Ilagan, who co-introduced the bill. “There are residents in rural areas who are counting on us to deliver important broadband upgrades and programs. The State Broadband Office gives us the focus and framework to turn vision into action.”

Act 201 also provides funding for six digital navigators, who will support digital literacy programs in libraries and other venues across the state. The new positions build on a 2023 pilot program in which community-based professionals, stationed at public libraries, assisted residents with digital skills, internet connectivity, accessing devices, and online services like telehealth and job applications.

“I’ve seen firsthand the barriers a rural island community faces when it comes to building computer skills that many take for granted,” said state Sen. Lynn DeCoite. “By connecting people to digital navigators, we’re empowering our residents in countless ways.”

State librarian Stacey Aldrich said the 2023 pilot program demonstrated the high demand for digital literacy support.

“Digital navigators are trusted guides who will help ensure no one is left behind in the digital age and we are so excited to grow this program,” she said.

The state has opened a request for proposals for the Hawaii Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage community digital navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches. Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting connectkakou.org. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 30 at 2 p.m.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.

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