Appropriates an unspecified amount to public libraries for computers and access to internet.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. The legislature finds that we are in a knowledge-based economy. Technology has been driving productivity increases in the world, nation, and Hawaii's economy allowing more prosperity to more people.

The legislature is concerned about enabling equal access to knowledge and finds that the digital divide could create a deeper gap between the "haves" and "have-nots". The legislature seeks to narrow the digital divide by providing internet access to segments of the community that currently have no access.

The legislature finds that the public library system, with locations throughout the State, serves as the main source of information on government, current events, and technology for many communities. The legislature further finds that the public library system is actively working to reduce the digital divide and to provide access to knowledge and technology to those parts of the community that would otherwise not have access. By utilizing grant opportunities with the Gates Foundation, the public library system is adding internet terminals to libraries using a formula to target underserved populations. However, the legislature finds that the State is still falling short in providing access to technology to the people that need it.

The legislature therefore finds that additional resources are necessary to ensure that access is universally available. The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the public library system to utilize in providing public access to computers and to the internet.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, for access to computers and to the internet.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

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