Appropriates funds to the public library system to fund a program to increase electronic access to government information and services in areas with limited access. (HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. The legislature finds that providing electronic access to government information and services in areas with limited access to those government services and to the internet is instrumental if Hawaii is to succeed in the new economy and is worthy of state support. The legislature further finds that there are multiple ways to expand electronic access, including internet access kiosks in areas not served by the library system; smart cards with microchips that are programmed to give access to certain services including egovernment services made available through eHawaii.gov; training programs including high-tech teaching methods such as interactive internet instruction; distance learning programs combined with technology to support electronic document delivery such as scanners, digital reader printers, and digitization equipment; expanded computer labs in libraries on each of the four major islands; expansion and upgrade of existing telecommunications in all libraries; and 24/7 internet-based reference services, allowing continuous reference resource sharing with libraries around the world. The purpose of this Act is to appropriate money to the public library system to fund programs to increase electronic access to government information and services in underserved areas with limited electronic access.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, to fund a program to increase electronic access to government information and services in areas with limited access.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the public library system for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.