Bill > SR36

This Resolution requests the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office (referred to as the "Office") to conduct a comprehensive data mapping study to pinpoint areas in Hawaii that lack adequate internet access, specifically identifying "underserved" (areas with some but poor quality service) and "unserved" (areas with no service) locations. This study will use definitions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021 and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, and will aim to align with the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Broadband Data Collection program, which allows for broader data input beyond just internet providers. The Office is tasked with collecting infrastructure and service data from internet service providers, paying special attention to areas where customers have requested service but it hasn't been provided, and then creating a detailed map of these underserved and unserved areas. To support this effort, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is asked to allocate $150,000 for data mapping services. The Office must then submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any potential new laws, to the Legislature by December 21, 2023. This initiative is crucial because existing FCC maps, often based on data provided by internet companies, have been found to be inaccurate and do not reflect the reality of poor connectivity experienced by residents in rural areas, despite the growing importance of reliable internet for teleworking, education, and healthcare.