HI SCR25

Recognizes October 3 through October 7, 2022, as Digital Inclusion Week in Hawaii to raise awareness of digital equity needs and promote digital inclusion.

Acknowledges that broadband services are essential twenty-first century infrastructure and that digital equity ensures full participation in society, democracy, economy, civic engagement, and access to essential services like telemedicine and distance learning.

Notes that rural, agricultural, and lower-income communities lack reliable and affordable broadband access due to infrastructure gaps, investment discrimination, and socioeconomic barriers including education, literacy, language, and disability issues.

References Act 225 (2021) which established the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office and the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to deploy broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas of the State.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, Director of Business Economic Development and Tourism, and the Strategic Broadband Coordinator of the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office.