HI SB947

Establishes the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Creates the position of State Broadband Coordinator, appointed by the DBEDT director and exempt from civil service requirements, to head the office.

Defines "broadband" as high-speed internet access (mobile and fixed technologies) and "digital equity" as ensuring all individuals and communities have information technology capacity for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy.

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

Takes effect on January 1, 2050.