THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	49
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 4 through OCTOBER 8, 2021, 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 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, as access to essential services have shifted toward being provided online; and

 

        WHEREAS, broadband access protects 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 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, Digital Inclusion Week 2021 is put on by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, who 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 2021, that October 4 through October 8, 2021, is recognized as Digital Inclusion Week in the State to raise awareness of digital equity and promote digital inclusion; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:  

Digital Inclusion Week; Broadband; Digital Equity