HI SCR83

Request that the State Auditor conduct a financial audit of Hawaii State Institutional Networks on each island to determine actual maintenance costs

Cable operators were originally contractually required to build institutional networks at no cost to subscribers or the State, but the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs recently authorized them to charge marginal costs for maintenance

Federal Communications Commission Order 621 prohibits cable operators from subtracting from or retaining franchise fees to build new networks or support operational costs; franchise fees must be used exclusively for maintaining existing networks

Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2026

A certified copy of the resolution will be transmitted to the State Auditor