STAND. COM. REP. NO. 84-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2359

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2359 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY OFFICE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Identify and address any remaining obstacles to digital equity in all areas of Hawaii; and

(2) Establish the Digital Equity Grant Program to award grants and create an environment in which all individuals and communities in the State have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Executive Office on Aging; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; a member of the Kauaʻi County Council; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Broadband Hui; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center; and KHopeacetic Digital Communications & Marketing. Your Committee received comments on this measure from Charter Communications.

Your Committee finds that digital equity in every community across the State is essential to the well-being and economic reality of the people of Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that this measure will enhance digital equity in the State, which will strengthen Hawaii's overall economic development and education, health care, and emergency services.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2359, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2359, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair