THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	891
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to broadband.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that advanced broadband services are essential in creating an infrastructure that can support an innovative economy and a knowledgeable and competitive society in the twenty-first century.  Specifically, high-speed broadband services at affordable prices are essential for the advancement of education, health, public safety, research and innovation, civic participation, e‑government, economic development and diversification, and public safety and services.

     The legislature further finds that supporting and encouraging public-private partnerships are the most effective vehicles for moving forward and completing the Hawai‘i broadband initiative.  The collaborative efforts of the private sector and the State, especially efforts focused on research and development, are also the most effective way to address the infrastructure needs of the State.  Under the Hawai‘i broadband initiative, the State's contribution will provide the development of secure cable landing sites on seven islands, while the private sector agencies and academic organizations will provide the development of trans-Pacific cable and an off-shore high-technology park.  Further, the Hawai‘i broadband initiative will benefit from executive branch support relating to regulatory processes and requirements, such as the design and preparation of environmental impact statements.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to build secure broadband cable landing sites, including necessary environmental impact statements, to support economic and social development and federal security interests.

     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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 to establish seven secure broadband cable landing sites – two on O‘ahu and one each on Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Hawai‘i, and for the performance of island-specific environmental impact studies.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Broadband; Public-private Partnership; Cable Landing Sites; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish broadband cable landing sites and island-specific environmental impact studies.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.