HI SCR53

Requests the Comptroller to cooperate with the Hawaii State Public Library System, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunication access for legislative participation.

Directs the study to include communities with residents having developmental disabilities who need access to participate in the state legislative process.

Requires the Comptroller to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convenes.

Notes that Hawaii has approximately 450,000 residents on neighbor islands and in rural O'ahu who face barriers to legislative participation due to rising costs of airfare, gas, and lodging.

Identifies the Hawaii State Public Library System's 51 libraries with broadband capabilities and electronic devices as potential infrastructure for supporting remote legislative participation.