HI SB1201

Establishes a broadband task force within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, consisting of representatives from county governments, wireless providers, telecommunications companies, public utilities, and other stakeholders.

Task force is chaired by the director of business, economic development, and tourism, with membership including county mayors, wireless infrastructure providers, wireline/internet service providers, electric utility directors, and the public utilities commission chair.

Task force shall develop a statewide broadband plan addressing financial status of public access providers, existing fee usage, potential wireless fees for video streaming, and recommended regulatory structure for broadband services under the department.

Statewide plan must include recommendations for deploying high-speed broadband infrastructure, address technological advancements, and ensure any proposed fees are fair and reasonable to consumers.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 regular session convenes, after which the task force dissolves.