The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has received a $72 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to expand broadband internet access to underserved households in Hawaii. This grant, in addition to a previous $17 million award from NTIA, will be used for new telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development programs, and digital equity initiatives for DHHL lessees. The funds will be dispersed over a four-year period with projects rolling out through 2028.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, emphasized the importance of the funding in providing better high-speed internet access for Hawaiian home lands communities. Alan Davidson, NTIA administrator, highlighted the opportunities that the new infrastructure will bring for Native Hawaiians, including device purchases, workforce training, and digital education.
The grant was announced at a news briefing led by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who heads the state’s high-speed internet initiative, Connect Kakou. Luke expressed the significance of the grant in empowering communities with the resources needed to succeed in the modern economy. DHHL director Kali Watson also emphasized the importance of the grant in providing high-speed internet, digital education programs, and community centers to Hawaiian homesteads.
Overall, this grant will not only provide connectivity but also open doors to educational, employment, and healthcare opportunities for underserved communities in Hawaii. The collaboration between NTIA, DHHL, and other partners is a vital step in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to essential services.
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