HI HB623

Establishes a broadband coordinator position within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, exempt from civil service requirements and reporting directly to the department director.

Requires the broadband coordinator to develop a State of Hawaii Broadband Plan including analysis of current infrastructure and geographic gaps, inventory of community broadband resources, digital literacy recommendations, public engagement initiatives, broadband communication solutions, and necessary capital improvement projects.

Directs the coordinator to develop draft legislation creating a broadband review panel/regulatory authority with power to adopt infrastructure rules, develop fair fee and lease rates, and create statewide broadband forms.

Appropriates funds for one full-time broadband coordinator position for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to develop the broadband plan.

Requires submission of the plan and report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 regular session convening; effective July 1, 2017.