HI SCR68

Legislative Reference Bureau requested to conduct a study on policies and programs to close the digital divide in Hawaii by reducing social and digital inequity

Study should examine tax policies reducing upfront costs of technology devices for Department of Education students, infrastructure investments ensuring affordable high-quality internet access across all islands, and wireless broadband expansion policies

Study must analyze digital literacy and training programs to remove computer literacy barriers, and grant programs supporting digital equity projects by individuals, groups, coalitions, or communities

Report findings and recommendations must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2022

Resolution notes 55,000 Hawaiian households lack internet subscriptions (9.5% of households), with disparities among low-income households (19.2%), Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (8.7%), seniors (11.6%), and those without high school diplomas (10.1%)