Bill Text: HI HB2449 | 2018 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Broadband Access For Seniors.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-2)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-13 - Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Souki excused (1). [HB2449 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2018-HB2449-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2449 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO BROADBAND ACCESS FOR SENIORS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that senior citizens with access to broadband technology lead better, longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives due to stronger social connections and more frequent interactions with friends and family members near and far. Broadband technology also provides seniors with a more accessible interactive lifeline that enables them to quickly access economic and health care services. Seniors who have adopted the use of broadband technology are often enthusiastic users, incorporating it into their daily lives. However, awareness and adoption of broadband technology by seniors remain low due to various obstacles, including a lack of understanding about broadband technology.
Pursuant to section 440G-11.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the director of commerce and consumer affairs is responsible for making recommendations to establish affordable, accessible broadband services to underserved areas and facilitating the deployment and development of broadband applications, programs, and services.
The purpose of this Act is to enhance the welfare of senior citizens in Hawaii by requiring the department of commerce and consumer affairs to conduct a feasibility study on deploying broadband technology at all county- and state-run senior centers in the State.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall conduct a study on the feasibility of deploying broadband technology to all county- and state-run senior centers in the State.
(b) The study shall include estimated costs for the following:
(1) The installation of broadband equipment;
(2) The purchase or lease of equipment;
(3) Training for employees at senior centers to use broadband technology and instruct seniors on its use;
(4) The operation and maintenance of equipment; and
(5) The development of programs for seniors to use broadband technology, including distance learning.
(c) The study shall also include:
(1) Identification of sources to support the deployment of broadband technology in senior centers, including federal grants, private funds, and nonprofit organizations that may provide funding or subsidize personnel costs; and
(2) An inventory of the existing broadband capacity, associated alternative technologies, and related programs offered at senior centers.
(d) The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2019.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $25,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the department of commerce and consumer affairs to conduct a feasibility study on deploying broadband technology at all county- and state-run senior centers in the State.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DCCA; Broadband; Study; Senior Centers; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to conduct a feasibility study on deploying broadband technology at all county- and state-run senior centers in the State. Appropriates moneys. (HB2449 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
