The state is seeking public input on its plan to increase digital equity throughout Hawaii.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released a draft of the Hawaii Digital Equity Plan on Oct. 2 and opened a 30-day public comment period, DBEDT announced this week. The draft is available here, and public comment will be accepted through Oct. 31.
According to an Oct. 2 release from the department, DBEDT’s Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office “has spent much of 2023 meeting with community members and organizations to provide information on the development of the state’s first digital equity plan.”
As DBEDT noted in the announcement, digital equity involves making the internet accessible and affordable to everyone. It also includes increasing digital literacy education.
The Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office was established to help coordinate the deployment of high-speed internet access in an effort to bridge the digital divide.
The draft of the Hawaii Digital Equity Plan is about 180 pages and includes an overview of the current state of digital equity, a discussion of barriers and needs, and a nine-part implementation strategy.
“This Digital Equity Plan is Hawaii’s next step towards achieving digital equity and we are excited to welcome communities across the state to be a part of this important effort,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in a statement. “We mahalo those who have given generously of their time and manao to participate in focus groups and interviews. The project team appreciates this valuable input and encourages all Hawaii residents to review and share their thoughts on how we can put forth a plan that will make life better for all our residents.”
In the announcement, officials said that feedback provided during the public comment period will be “carefully reviewed, synthesized, and incorporated as appropriate.” The final version of the plan will be available in November.
For more information, visit broadband.hawaii.gov/digitalequityplan.
