STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1801

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1408

H.D. 3

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, 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 establish, and appropriate moneys for, a digital equity grant program in which grants are awarded to eligible applicants for digital equity projects.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission; State Council on Developmental Disabilities; AARP Hawaii; AlohaCare; Hawaii Broadband Hui; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; Vibrant Hawaii; and two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that awarding grants to qualified digital equity projects will make internet access and new technology available to more people and help to ensure digital equity throughout the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1408, H.D. 3, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1408, H.D. 3, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair