Informing the Legislature that on June 9, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB934 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 201).

This bill establishes the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office within the Department of Accounting and General Services to address broadband access and digital equity across the state. It creates a Strategic Broadband Coordinator position (exempt from standard civil service rules) and requires the office to develop strategies for increasing affordable broadband access, support public-private partnerships, promote trans-Pacific cable infrastructure, and maintain a data repository for mapping broadband coverage and digital literacy needs. The law directly affects state agencies, counties, broadband providers, and communities - particularly those with limited internet access - by mandating coordinated planning and grant programs for broadband infrastructure and digital services. The office must also incorporate findings from prior state broadband task forces and strategic plans into its work.