STAND. COM. REP. NO. 781-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2359

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2359, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY OFFICE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Identify and address any remaining obstacles to digital equity in all areas of the State; and

(2) Establish the Digital Equity Grant Program to award grants and create an environment in which all individuals and communities in the State have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Disability and Communication Access Board; AARP Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; Broadband Hui; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and Maui Chamber of Commerce. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2359, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair