STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1759

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.R. No. 58

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.R. No. 58 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY OFFICE TO INCREASE ACCESS TO WI-FI IN PUBLIC PARKS THROUGHOUT THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to increase access to wi-fi in public parks throughout the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Disability and Communication Access Board; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the State has identified strengthening digital equity as a strategic imperative in the development of a modern economy and public parks are a convenient and appropriate venue to accommodate digital access.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding language requesting that the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office work with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the counties to assess the current level of internet access in public parks; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 H.R. No. 58, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 58, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair