#digital equity

As part of the Connect Kākou Initiative, the County of Maui is inviting residents of Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to take a brief survey on their internet access and use, devices used, community resources needed and household demographics.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke today announced the launch of Digital Detectives, a Connect Kākou initiative to map internet speeds across Hawaiʻi. By taking a simple 30-second internet speed test, residents can help identify areas most in need of better internet infrastructure, ensuring that federal funding is allocated to where it is most needed. “We’re excited to […]

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., issued his final veto decisions today after additional analysis and input from stakeholders. Of the 17 bills on his original Intent to Veto List, Green issued seven vetoes. He signed four bills after issuing line-item reductions, and six bills were signed into law.

Federal approval was given this week to the state’s Digital Equity Plan, paving the way for federal funding to provide greater internet access statewide and addressing other diverse digital needs.

These programs include helping Hawaiʻi’s youth excel with new technology, tutoring our keiki and kūpuna for digital literacy, and improving technical skills in women transitioning back into the workforce.

Digital equity objectives include the availability and affordability of both fixed and wireless broadband; the accessibility and inclusivity of online public resources and services; digital literacy; awareness and use of security and online privacy and cybersecurity; and the availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices.

The State of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism recently began the process of developing the state’s first digital equity plan.

Governor David Ige signed into law a package of bills that advance his effort to improve digital access for communities across the state.