REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO COOPERATE WITH THE HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE WITH A NEED FOR BETTER TELECOMMUNICATION ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

Senate Resolution 35 requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to partner with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities (particularly on neighbor islands and rural Oahu) lacking telecommunication access for participating in state legislative meetings. It directs them to develop an outreach program using public library resources - such as free internet, videoconferencing, and devices like Chromebooks - to help residents engage remotely, reducing travel costs and barriers. The resolution requires a report to the Legislature by 2026 detailing findings and recommendations for improving public access. This procedural resolution focuses on infrastructure collaboration, not policy changes, to enhance civic participation.