THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	53
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the comptroller to cooperate with the hawaii state public library system to identify rural and underserved communities IN THE STATE with a need for better telecommunication access for RESIDENTS TO participatE in the state legislative process.

 

 

     WHEREAS, providing access for residents to participate in the state legislative process is a basic right of citizenship in the State and should continue to be a priority; and

 

     WHEREAS, ensuring equitable access to the legislative process for nearly four hundred fifty thousand residents on the neighbor islands, as well as those in rural O ahu, is essential to strengthening civic engagement, enhancing the effectiveness of the legislative process, and ensuring fair and accurate representation on issues impacting the entire State; and

 

     WHEREAS, with the rising costs of airfare, gas, and lodging, providing designated locations or state offices on neighbor islands and in rural O ahu where citizens can participate remotely in the legislative process will help reduce the financial burden of participation and further boost civic engagement; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Public Library System has long provided the public with internet access, including the deployment of sixteen Chromebooks and charging stations to each of its libraries statewide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020--at a time when most businesses and government offices remained closed--to enhance existing technology and ensure continued public connectivity; and

 

     WHEREAS, with a network of fifty-one libraries across the State, the Hawaii State Public Library System has the infrastructure and resources to support public access to the Internet and videoconferencing, making it uniquely positioned to assist individuals in participating in the legislative process; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Comptroller is requested to cooperate with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities with a need for better telecommunication access for residents, including those with developmental disabilities, to participate in the state legislative process; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Comptroller and State Librarian are requested to submit to the Legislature a report of their findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Comptroller, State Librarian, and Executive Director of the Disability and Communication Access Board.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

DAGS; HSPLS; Civic Engagement; Accessibility