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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
19 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 3 THROUGH OCTOBER 7, 2022, AS DIGITAL INCLUSION WEEK IN THE STATE OF HAWAII.
WHEREAS, broadband services are essential infrastructure for the twenty-first century and play an important role in providing access to knowledge and opportunities from around the world; and
WHEREAS, digital equity ensures that all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy and is necessary for civic and cultural participation, lifelong learning, and access to essential services, such as telemedicine, distance learning, and the workplace; and
WHEREAS, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heightened the demand for reliable, affordable internet connectivity as work, education, and access to essential services have shifted toward being provided online; and
WHEREAS, broadband access has been protecting public health during the COVID—19 pandemic, while addressing socioeconomic disparities for the most vulnerable Hawaii residents who live in underrepresented communities; and
WHEREAS, many rural, agricultural, and lower-income communities throughout the State lack access to reliable and affordable broadband due to the lack of infrastructure; discrimination in investment in delivering technology and technology-related services to specific areas or populations; or barriers derived from socioeconomic status, education, literacy, language, or disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the State is committed to promoting digital inclusion to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most remote and disadvantaged, have access to and the use of information and communication technologies, including affordable, robust broadband internet service; internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; access to digital literacy training; quality technical support; and applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, in his State of the State address on January 25, 2021, Governor David Ige called for the State to expand its investments in digital technology of Hawaii 2.0, thereby dedicating the State to being a leader in broadband access; and
WHEREAS, Act 225, Regular Session of 2021, established the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office and the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to facilitate the deployment of the infrastructure necessary to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the State; and
WHEREAS, to raise awareness of the need for digital equity and to promote digital inclusion, Senate Resolution No. 49, S.D. 1, Regular Session of 2021, further recognized October 4 through October 8, 2021, as Digital Inclusion Week in the State; and
WHEREAS, Digital Inclusion Week is spearheaded by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, which represents affiliated organizations working toward digital equity by crafting, identifying, and disseminating financial and operational resources for digital inclusion programs to raise awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2022, that October 3 through October 7, 2022, is recognized as Digital Inclusion Week in the State to raise awareness of the need for digital equity and to promote digital inclusion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and Strategic Broadband Coordinator of the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office.
Digital Inclusion Week; Broadband; Digital Equity; Rural, Agricultural, and Lower-Income Communities