The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has been awarded a $72 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. This funding, combined with a $17 million grant received earlier this year, totals $89 million aimed at expanding broadband internet access for underserved households on Hawaiian home lands.
“This new federal funding will mean communities on Hawaiian home lands will have better, more reliable high-speed internet at home, helping more people access education, health care, and employment resources online,” stated Senator Brian Schatz. Schatz serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and played a role in securing the grant.
The TBCP grant is intended to provide fast fiber optic internet connections to DHHL lessees across Hawaii. It will finance telecommunications infrastructure in areas with limited broadband service and establish connections in planned housing developments.
“Access to the Internet is just the starting point for today’s award,” said Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “With this Internet for All grant, Native Hawaiians will have new high-speed Internet connections – and new opportunities through device purchases, workforce training, and digital education to make the most of those connections.”
The announcement was made during a media event held in Honolulu at the office of Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. Luke leads Connect Kākou, Hawaiʻi’s high-speed internet initiative. She commented on the importance of digital access: “For too long, many communities on Hawaiian home lands have lacked equitable access to the digital tools citizens need to participate fully in our modern economy.”
Grant funds are set to be distributed over four years with projects expected to continue until 2028. DHHL Director Kali Watson emphasized that “the TBCP grant will enable DHHL to bring high-speed internet, digital education programs, and new community centers to our homesteads across the pae ʻāina.” He added that it represents more than connectivity; it opens doors to opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.