Hawaii focused on modernizing the state’s IT systems. That effort was acknowledged recently when Hawaii received an overall grade of A- minus from the Center for Digital Government. The announcement is the result of the 2022 Digital States Survey.
According to the Center for Digital Government, an “A” grade reflects a state government that has demonstrated “very strong innovation, high performing solutions and… excellent practices in all aspects of their operations, governance and administration.”
The A- grade this year is up from a B in 2020. This is the first year Hawaii has ranked among the top-performing states.
“We have made tremendous progress modernizing State IT systems, including our tax and payroll systems,” Gov. David Ige said in a release from his office. “I’d like to thank our employees for their commitment and dedication to making our State more efficient and effective in order to better serve our citizens.”
The Center for Digital Government also presented Hawaii’s Office of Enterprise Technology Services with the Future Ready Award for outstanding work on developing the Safe Travels Digital Platform. According to the release, the Future Ready Awards are presented to “jurisdictions laying the foundation for the disruptive and converging forces shaping an uncertain future — through technology or process changes; innovation; engagement with partners; and by harnessing emerging technologies to solve problems.”
Doug Murdock, chief information officer, said the Safe Travels system was implemented in a short time frame. “It allowed the State to reopen our travel industry during the pandemic while safeguarding our citizens,” Murdock said in the release. “More than 12 million arrivals were recorded in the digital platform, and more than 270,000 people took advantage of the digital SMART Health Card program.”
Hawaii is also one of six states named finalists for the Government Experience Award, which recognizes states who have redesigned websites with enhanced languages and accessibility features, developed apps to streamline the flow of funds to those with the greatest need and used mobile apps, social media, e-newsletters and digital service analytics to improve the constituent experience and customer service delivery.