In a ceremony held during National Digital Inclusion Week, the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards (DEIA) recognized 18 individuals and organizations in Hawai‘i for their efforts to bridge the digital divide. The awards, organized by the Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), were presented in collaboration with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Broadband Hui, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), county governments, and nonprofit community access television providers.
The DEIA aimed to honor those who have made significant contributions toward digital equity through initiatives that provide internet access, devices, and essential digital skills. Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke commended the winners, stating: “Achieving accessible and affordable high-quality internet for all of Hawaiʻi is the commitment of Connect Kākou. Making this a reality will require a collective effort—from government and nonprofits to businesses, students, educators, and digital equity leaders.”
Awardees were acknowledged across four counties:
- **City and County of Honolulu**: Dotty Kelly-Paddock received the Community Impact Award; Dan Smith was honored with the Beacon Award; Stacey Aldrich received the Luminary Award; Wendy Dakroub and Sasha Kamahele earned the Future Innovators Award; Jill Takasaki Canfield was awarded the Pioneer Award.
- **County of Hawai‘i**: Ron and Doreen Kodani were given the Luminary Award; Brad Kaleo Bennett received the Beacon Award; Pono Kekela was awarded the Pioneer Award; Paola Vidulich earned recognition as a Future Innovator.
- **County of Kaua‘i**: David Braman, Amalia Abigania, and Leah Aiwohi were honored as Future Innovators; Pete Simon received the Pioneer Award; James Thesken was given the Beacon Award; Jackie Kaina earned the Luminary Award; Ken Dickinson was recognized with a Community Impact Award.
- **County of Maui**: Bill Sides received a Luminary Award; Marc Sanders was awarded as a Pioneer; Ka‘ala Souza earned another Luminary recognition; Michael Shiffler took home a Community Impact Award.
A video presentation of these awards is available online at https://youtu.be/h9adTnDXZcc. The program will also be broadcast on various public access channels across neighbor islands today at 10 a.m., with an additional airing tonight at 7 p.m. on O‘ahu.
HBDEO plays a crucial role in promoting digital equity throughout Hawai‘i by supporting statewide broadband deployment efforts. Meanwhile, DBEDT continues to drive economic growth by fostering innovation within various sectors across Hawai‘i.