Bill > SCR12

This Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to make it a top priority to ensure that people living in rural areas across Hawaii have access to broadband services, which are essential for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy. The resolution highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for this access, impacting remote work, telehealth services, distance learning for students, and the ability to access vital government and social services like unemployment benefits and vaccination appointments. Digital equity, as defined in Hawaii law, means everyone has the necessary technology to be fully involved in society, and this resolution emphasizes that additional investment is needed to achieve this, particularly in rural communities that lack adequate broadband infrastructure.