HI SR36

Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office is requested to conduct a data mapping study identifying geographically underserved and unserved areas in the state based on broadband definitions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021.

Office must align mapping with the Federal Communications Commission's Broadband Data Collection program and include "broadband Fabric data" to identify every serviceable location in Hawaii.

Office is requested to collect infrastructure deployment and broadband service data from internet service providers and give special attention to cases where customers requested service but were denied by carriers.

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to allocate $150,000 for the Office to contract data mapping and telecommunications research services.

Office must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than December 21, 2023.