STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1768

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: S.C.R. No. 67

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 67, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 4 THROUGH OCTOBER 8, 2021, AS DIGITAL INCLUSION WEEK IN THE STATE OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize October 4 through October 8, 2021, as Digital Inclusion Week in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee finds that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted the need for affordable, high-speed Internet. Your Committee also finds that the need for availability and access to high-speed broadband services for all and the need to close the digital divide have become glaringly apparent. Affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is imperative for individuals to work, learn, access and deliver health care, stay connected, and communicate. Digital Inclusion Week will help raise awareness of and attention to the need for digital equity and digital inclusion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 67, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair