STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1286

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 219

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Human Services and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 219 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE ON AGING TO FORM A WORKING GROUP AND DEVELOP A PLAN FOR OUTREACH TO KUPUNA TO REMEDIATE A LACK OF DIGITAL LITERACY, BROADBAND ACCESS, AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Executive Office on Aging to convene a working group to develop an outreach plan to kupuna to address their lack of digital literacy, broadband access, and computer equipment.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from AlohaCare, LearningBond, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Aging.

Your Committees find that access to broadband connectivity is a foundation for improved economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness, and a better way of life. Your Committees also find that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its broad, adverse economic impact underscored that improved access to broadband services across all communities in Hawaii would enhance economic development, education, health care, public safety, and emergency services in those communities. Further, your Committees find that vulnerable members of our community, such as kupuna, homeless, and recently released prisoners, often lack the digital skills necessary to effectivity utilize newer, current technologies to access career and social support opportunities, which may be accessible online and are especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your Committees find that kupuna are especially eager for opportunities to learn about technologies that would facilitate their aging independently, but the rapid and constant advancement of technology often makes older adults unsure of their ability to use it, which can leave them uncomfortable and lacking in the self-confidence to utilize technology in their everyday life. Accordingly, your Committee believes the Executive Office on Aging, by convening a working group, could assist in formulating a plan to outreach to kupuna on this important issue.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Human Services and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 219 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Human Services and Government Operations,

________________________________ SHARON MORIWAKI, Chair

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair