Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke expressed her satisfaction with the Legislature's action to ensure the state match in funding, stating that it fulfills an integral component of the administration's statewide initiative. She highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations between various entities to ensure all residents have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.
Chung Chang, the strategic broadband coordinator for the Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office, emphasized the significance of the additional state funds in empowering the office to pursue its objectives in bridging the digital divide. He outlined the office's mission to provide marginalized and underserved communities with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in the digital age.
The BEAD grant, part of a national high-speed internet infrastructure program, is a pivotal component of Hawai‘i's strategic vision for equitable access to broadband services. Governor Green reaffirmed the state's commitment to providing all residents with reliable and high-speed internet access, regardless of their background or geographic location.