WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today awarded more than $6 million to Hawaii to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This award is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them—for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.
Hawaii will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is not only connecting everyone in Hawaii and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet, but also making sure they have the tools and skills they need to make the most of that Internet connection,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the team in Hawaii. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in the state can take advantage of an Internet connection – whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.”
This award is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.
“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. Hawaii can now put its digital equity plan into action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”
“Submission of our application for the NTIA Capacity Grant underscores our journey towards a more digitally connected and inclusive Hawai‘i,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “It will ensure that every resident, regardless of location, will have access to reliable devices and high-speed Internet. It will empower our communities, drive innovation, and foster economic growth.”
"By closing the digital divide, we are opening the door to greater educational, economic, and social opportunities for everyone,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who spearheads Hawaii’s statewide broadband initiative, Connect Kākou. “This funding from the NTIA is a significant capstone in our efforts to improve infrastructure and ensure everyone has the necessary tools to get connected. Together with our county and non-profit partners, we are aiming to expand our offering of digital literacy and cyber security training, provide devices, and bolster tele-health so that all residents, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the opportunities they need to safely thrive in the digital age.”
“Access to affordable, reliable Internet is critical to support education, health care, and the socioeconomic welfare of our communities,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “Despite the ever-increasing importance of Internet access, there are still many in Hawaii who lack this access or the tools to use it to its full potential. This robust investment in Hawaii’s broadband infrastructure and digital literacy will help to ensure our kupuna can utilize telehealth services, our keiki can participate in remote learning, and our communities can develop the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving digital workforce.”
Hawaii will use the $6,017,160 in funding to implement key digital initiatives, including:
- Supporting the expansion of telehealth adoption and programs across the state;
- Increasing access to Internet-enabled devices, cybersecurity protections, and affordable broadband services; and
- Establishing and expanding a statewide digital navigator training program in the use of a digital literacy curriculum, focusing on the populations most in need.
Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.