STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1166
Honolulu, Hawaii
H.D. 3
President of the Senate
Thirty-Second State Legislature
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 1408, H.D. 3, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO DIGITAL EQUITY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Establish the Digital Equity Grant Program to award grants to deploy digital equity projects to covered populations consisting of certain individuals in the State; and
(2) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Hawai‘i State Public Library System; University of Hawai‘i System; Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission; Disability and Communication Access Board; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; Hawaiian Telcom; Broadband Hui; AARP Hawai‘i; and three individuals.
Your Committee finds that digital equity across the State and in every community is essential to the well-being and economic realities of all the State's residents. Inequitable digital access has had a tremendously negative effect in many areas, with the devastating impacts of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighting the need for digital access to all residents across the State, particularly in rural and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Your Committee believes that digital literacy and broadband access are critical tools for persons seeking access to social services, such as unemployment, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, vital records, and other essential government, educational, and medical services. This measure will enhance the State's overall economic development, education, health care, and emergency services by furthering digital equity for all residents, consumers, and businesses across the State.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1408, H.D. 3, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,
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________________________________ LYNN DECOITE, Chair |
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