Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Legislative Management, to which was referred H.R. No. 80 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to request the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to study the feasibility of installing a wireless fidelity (WiFi) Internet network system in the State Capitol.

The Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Verizon Hawaii testified in support of this resolution.

WiFi is a system that provides wireless Internet access within areas known as hot spots that use antennas to broadcast signals from broadband Internet connections. Thirty-one states already have wireless networks that allow legislators and their staff to access information on their laptops in the legislative chamber or their offices.

WiFi can also improve public participation to the legislative process. While waiting for hearings and meetings, citizens, lobbyists, and others can obtain the status of bills as well as committee updates while keeping track of family or business matters by e-mail.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Legislative Management that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 80 and recommends its adoption.