HI SB1390

Establishes a three-year broadband infrastructure task force (operating until June 30, 2024) to develop partnerships and plans for statewide broadband infrastructure, with emphasis on rural, unserved, and underserved communities.

Task force co-chaired by the comptroller of the department of accounting and general services and the highways division deputy director of transportation, with the chief broadband strategy officer as assistant co-chair and representatives from Hawaiian home lands, University of Hawaii, cable television division, and other state agencies.

Task force shall obtain federal funds from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act and U.S. Department of Transportation-Federal Highways Administration to build broadband infrastructure and develop pilot projects across the islands.

Task force must submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 regular session, including accounting of federal funds obtained, a statewide broadband capacity plan with budgetary requirements, and recommendations for legislation.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2021-2022 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023 from general revenues, to be expended by the department of accounting and general services, effective July 1, 2021.