Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signs law to establish state Broadband Office, expand digital navigator program

Hawaiʻi Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke signed into law Act 201 (House Bill 934) that establishes a state Broadband Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services, and provides funding for digital navigators on every major island.

Luke is serving as Acting Governor while Gov. Josh Green is on the mainland.

The landmark legislation strengthens the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring all Hawaiʻi residents have access to reliable internet and the digital skills needed to thrive.

“With the signing of House Bill 934, Hawaiʻi is taking a necessary step toward a future where every resident, regardless of geography, age or income, can connect to and use affordable, reliable broadband internet to access education, healthcare and economic opportunity,” said Luke, who leads the State of Hawai‘i’s Connect Kākou high speed internet initiative.

She said the law also helps ensure keiki through kūpuna acquire the skills and support they need to use the internet to improve their daily lives.

House Bill 934 give the new office clear authority to coordinate broadband deployment across public and private sectors. The office also will lead the state’s efforts to administer grant programs in support of broadband infrastructure and innovation, oversee strategic broadband investments, and ensure high-speed internet access reaches underserved communities statewide.

“Access to high-speed internet is vital for every aspect of our lives. There are residents in rural areas who are counting on us to deliver important broadband upgrades and programs,” said State Rep. Greggor Ilagan, who represents District 4 on the Big Island and is one of the introducers of the bill. “The State Broadband Office gives us the focus and framework to turn vision into action.”

In addition to establishing the Broadband Office, the bill allocates funding for six digital navigators across the islands to support digital literacy programs in organizations like public libraries. This follows a successful 2023 pilot program where community-based professionals, stationed at Hawaiʻi’s public libraries, assisted residents with digital skills, internet connectivity, accessing devices, and online services like telehealth and job applications.

“I’ve seen firsthand the barriers a rural island community faces when it comes to building computer skills that many take for granted,” said State Sen. Lynn DeCoite of Maui. “By connecting people to digital navigators we’re empowering our residents in countless ways.”

Stacey A. Aldrich, state librarian of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System, said: “From our pilot, we learned there is a real demand for this investment. Digital navigators are trusted guides who will help ensure no one is left behind in the digital age and we are so excited to grow this program.”

The State has opened a Request for Proposals for the Hawaiʻi Community Digital Navigators Project to hire, train and manage Community Digital Navigators who will be located in 51 public library branches. Interested applicants can access the full RFP by visiting connectkakou.org. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 30 at 2 p.m.

Luke also signed into law Act 202 (House Bill 1052) which ensures public information – including weather alerts, health advisories and service notifications – is delivered in a way that reaches everyone, regardless of their print literacy or disability status.