The State of Hawaiʻi was allocated more than $149 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
The University of Hawaiʻi was tapped to lead parts of the Connect Kākou effort in the state that will leverage more than $400 million in federal grants and matching funds to ensure the state’s long-term connectivity. The recent allocation is part of the overall efforts.
Hawaiʻi’s Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program—a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative—was approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in July.
“Strengthening and upgrading our broadband pipelines is crucial to keep us connected to each other and the rest of the world,” said UH Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Garret Yoshimi said. “Hawaiʻi’s location in the Pacific means we depend heavily on internet access, which will be integral to all our future endeavors.”
Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
This approval enables Hawaiʻi to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step toward closing the digital divide and meeting Biden’s goal of connecting everyone in the U.S. with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“Ensuring that every person in Hawaiʻi has dependable access to affordable high-speed internet service is crucial to our state’s economic, educational and social progress,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. “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. 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.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
