HI SB947

Establishes the Hawaii broadband and digital equity office within the department of business, economic development, and tourism.

Appoints a state broadband coordinator (exempt from civil service chapter 76) to head the office, appointed by the director of business, economic development, and tourism.

Authorizes the office to develop broadband strategies, support public and private deployment efforts, promote submarine cable landing, administer grant programs, and seek public and private funding.

Requires the office to provide data aggregation and governance framework for broadband mapping and digital equity information from multiple sources including digital literacy, telehealth, distance education, and service coverage.

Directs the office to coordinate with state departments, counties, and private entities on broadband planning, monitor federal and other states' broadband activities, and advise on remote work policies and affordable broadband availability.