Internet access for Hawaiʻi residents is a fundamental right for all

HONOLULU (KHON2) — President Joe Biden announced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Hawaiʻi’s plan for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

This is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. With this approval, Hawaiʻi can now request funds to start improving internet access across the state.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Hawaiʻi, and all across America, has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in Hawaiʻi. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in the state is connected.”

The BEAD program, supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to provide everyone in the U.S. with affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.

Hawaiʻi will receive over $149 million to expand or upgrade its internet networks. If there’s money left after reaching internet access goals, it can be used for internet training and workforce development.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo praised Hawaiʻi’s efforts and looks forward to working together to ensure everyone is connected.

“Today, Hawaiʻi can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “I congratulate the Hawaiʻi Broadband office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke highlighted the importance of this project for Hawaiʻi’s progress, from economic to educational and social aspects. This funding marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Hawaiʻi.

“Ensuring that every person in Hawai‘i has dependable access to affordable high-speed internet service is crucial to our state’s economic, educational and social progress,” said Lt. Gov. Luke.

Lt. Gov. Luke went to explain further.

“The Biden-Harris Administration and the NTIA have been exceptional partners in our efforts to develop and build the necessary infrastructure to bridge the digital divide across the islands – from Hanalei to Hilo, mauka to makai, and everywhere in between,” added Lt. Gov. Luke. “Today’s announcement marks a monumental milestone for our Connect Kākou initiative. With this unprecedented federal funding, we are making a significant leap towards eliminating barriers and tackling inequities within our communities.”

In the video above, meet Kaleo Bennett who is the Executive Director for ʻAuamo Collaborative on Hawaiʻi Island. AC is diligently working to ensure that digital equity on the island is a reality for all residents.

All states and territories were required to submit their BEAD plans by December 2023, and NTIA is approving these plans one by one. Once approved, states have a year to submit their final plans to ensure everyone is covered.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing $65 billion to make high-speed Internet more affordable and reliable across the U.S. The NTIA has started new programs to build Internet infrastructure, create low-cost Internet options, and make sure everyone can get online.

For more details, click here.

The NTIA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It helps the President with policies about telecommunications and the Internet. The NTIA works on expanding Internet access in America, using radio frequencies better, improving public safety communications and making sure the Internet helps with innovation and economic growth.