HI HR6

Requests the Public Utilities Commission to report on progress and deployment plans to ensure rural communities have cellular and broadband services comparable to metropolitan areas.

Requests the Public Utilities Commission to report on efforts to find and access federal funding for rural telecommunications services, including from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service.

Requests the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to report on progress and plans to establish affordable broadband services in unserved and underserved areas of Hawaii and identify funding sources.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to work collaboratively and submit reports to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2016.