RES 043 Draft 01 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�J+tY Os M, COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII T,t�•GF •N, RESOLUTION NO. 43 2:1 A RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING DIGITAL EQUITY AND URGING DEVELOPMENT OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOLSTER COVID-19 RECOVERY AND FOSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. WHEREAS, unequal access to digital services in Hawaii County has created a "digital divide", particularly among our most vulnerable populations and along racial, economic, and geographical boundaries; and WHEREAS, according to 2014-2018 U. S. Census data, Hawaii County has the greatest disparity in the percentage of households without internet in the State, including some census blocks in which as many as two-thirds of the households are without internet access; and WHEREAS, digital inequity has been exacerbated by COVID-19 and has prevented Hawaii County residents from accessing employment, education, healthcare, civic engagement, emergency preparedness and other critical services; and WHEREAS, in his State of the State address on January 25, 2021, Governor Ige highlighted that the need for broad digital connectivity goes well beyond the current pandemic restrictions and recovery, as high-speed, accessible and affordable internet are essential to full participation in society, promoting a diversified economy and improving quality of life; and WHEREAS, digital equity helps to further the work of critical initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the State's Aloha+ Challenge, Hawaii Community Foundation's CHANGE Framework, and `Aina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that the County of Hawaii adopt the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) Hawai `i Broadband Strategic Plan (Exhibit A) published in November 2020, which advances policies, programs and initiatives towards public and or private investment in broadband infrastructure that helps to ensure equitable access to internet services for all residents. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Hawaii become a signatory to the Digital Equity Declaration drafted by the Broadband Hui convened by DBEDT, the Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, and Transform Hawaii Government and support actions to further the goals of the declaration.