HI HB913

Establishes the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism with a state broadband coordinator appointed by the department director.

Office duties include developing strategies to increase broadband affordability and deployment, supporting public and private broadband initiatives, and promoting trans-Pacific submarine cable landing in Hawaii.

Office shall administer grant programs for broadband infrastructure and innovation, seek federal and private funding sources, and maintain a data repository for broadband mapping and digital equity information.

Office must coordinate with state departments, counties, and public-private partnerships to implement broadband planning, monitor federal broadband activities, and advise the department director on broadband deployment.

Effective date: July 1, 2060.