STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2028-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.C.R. No. 12

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAII BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY OFFICE TO PRIORITIZE ACCESS TO BROADBAND SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS THROUGHOUT THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to prioritize access to broadband services in rural areas throughout the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Common Cause Hawaii; and Hawaiian Telcom.

Your Committee finds that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the significant need for access to broadband services in rural areas throughout Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that the importance of access to broadband service has only increased during the pandemic, including the ability to work and learn remotely; access to medical care through telehealth services; access to government services, such as filing unemployment claims, obtaining supplemental nutrition benefits, and securing vital records; and the ability to register for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 12, S.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair