Bill > SCR25

This Concurrent Resolution officially recognizes the week of October 3 through October 7, 2022, as Digital Inclusion Week in the State of Hawaii. The resolution highlights the critical importance of broadband internet access as essential infrastructure for modern life, enabling participation in society, democracy, and the economy, and providing access to vital services like telemedicine and distance learning. It acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for reliable and affordable internet, especially for vulnerable populations and those in rural, agricultural, and lower-income communities who face barriers such as lack of infrastructure, discriminatory investment, or socioeconomic disadvantages. The resolution reaffirms Hawaii's commitment to digital inclusion, which means ensuring everyone has access to affordable broadband, appropriate devices, digital literacy training, and technical support, and it notes previous legislative efforts and the Governor's initiative to expand digital technology investments.