STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1305

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   H.R. No. 137

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Economic Development, to which was referred H.R. No. 137 entitled:

 

"HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND ADOPTING THE GOALS SET FORTH IN THE DIGITAL EQUITY DECLARATION FOR HAWAII ADOPTED BY THE BROADBAND HUI,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to support and adopt the goals set forth in the Digital Equity Declaration that was adopted by the Broadband Hui.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; AlohaCare; Hawaii Primary Care Association; Broadband Hui; Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii; and one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that digital equity allows all Hawaii residents, keiki to kupuna, to have the information technology capacity to participate fully in the State's society, democratic process, and economy, including civics, social and cultural activities, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.  This measure addresses inequitable digital access in the State by supporting efforts to empower Hawaii residents with adequate broadband infrastructure and affordable high-quality broadband service.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 137, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 137, H.D. 1.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

SEAN QUINLAN, Chair