Bill > SCR83

This concurrent resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive financial audit of the Hawaii State Institutional Networks (INETs) across all islands to determine the actual maintenance costs. The resolution stems from recent developments where the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs authorized cable operators to charge marginal maintenance costs for network portions in use, despite original contractual obligations to build these networks at no cost to subscribers or the state. The audit is motivated by the need for transparency, particularly given that the Federal Communications Commission Order 621 prohibits cable operators from using franchise fees to build new networks or support operational costs, and information technology experts have suggested that maintenance costs for network infrastructure are minimal. The resolution specifically asks the Auditor to submit a report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session, and directs that a certified copy of the resolution be transmitted to the Auditor.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=83&year=2025