H.B. 1418 Summary

• Adds a new definition of "broadband equity" as a condition where all residents can access, adopt, and use affordable, high-speed, and reliable broadband meeting their needs.

• Amends the definition of "digital equity" to explicitly include broadband equity as a prerequisite condition.

• Expands the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office's duties to administer and coordinate federal and state grant programs supporting broadband infrastructure, innovation, and digital equity.

• Requires the office to provide a repository and governance framework for broadband mapping and digital equity data including digital literacy, telehealth, distance education, remote work, internet accessibility, and service coverage.

• Updates office responsibilities to monitor regulatory changes and advise the director on digital equity and broadband deployment in the State.