DBEDT Solicits Services to Create Broadband Infrastructure Partnership
As part of ongoing efforts to increase Hawai’i’s broadband capacity and speeds to meet the needs of the state, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is leading an initiative to make a new transpacific fiber optic cable in Hawai’i easier to access in Hawai’i than current options.
DBEDT issued a Request for Proposal for structuring services to create a broadband infrastructure public-private partnership in an effort to aid the growth strategy.
The RFP looks to seek assistance in working with the private sector to procure, finance, and/or operate a state-sponsored carrier neutral land station to best leverage $25 million of reimbursable general obligation bond funding through a public-private partnership.
“Our innovation initiatives require boosting our overall broadband capacity, which will help to stimulate the tech sector and our local economy,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “By investing in our broadband infrastructure, we will attract high-tech companies to Hawai’i, help our electric utilities transition to next-generation technologies, and ensure our business community remains globally competitive.”
Proposals in response to the RFP will be due May 18, with registration and written inquires accepted until April 21.