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Form#: B-52 <br /> 7/18/91 <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE <br /> REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: 7/24/2023 <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Riley Saito PHONE: 808-323-4704 <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> Aprproval to enter into a intergovernment agenciy agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement would be <br /> between the State of Hawaii University of Hawaii and the County of Hawaii. The purpose of the agreement <br /> is to have the county perform certain activities in which the University of Hawaii will provide funds to cover <br /> the costs of the activity. The federal fund source, known as the BEAD Planning grant,($5M) is the National <br /> Telecommunications and Information Administration that is being administered by the University of Hawaii <br /> with the County as a subawardee. The estimated funding to the County is —$100k per year for four years. <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> The University of Hawaii has been tasked with leading the State to build out a robust, reliable and affordable <br /> broadband infrastructure to every community and guarantee accessibility for every resident. <br /> Community outreach and engagement at the county level helps better identify and understand the <br /> community's technology priorities and needs, fosters support for ensuring every community can access high- <br /> speed internet. This includes diverse expertise and experiences from those most impacted by the digital <br /> divide. This should encourage transparency building trust, and establishes a open and active feedback <br /> mechanism to capture additional input necessary for subsequent detailed planning and implementation <br /> efforts. <br /> The BEAD Planning grant is dedicated to infrastructure elements. Digital equity programs to advances the <br /> necessary digital skills for residents, enhancement of our local workforce, and stimulation and diversification <br /> of our state's economy will be funded through a separate funding stream via the NTIA. <br /> It is of mutual interest and advantage to the University of Hawaii and the County of Hawaii to collect and <br /> analyze community input and data in order to develop and implement a successful plan to achieve equitable <br /> internet access for all of Hawaii's residents. <br /> SIGNED: l !►_ 1 ;ire DATE: 08/17/2023 <br /> Cra ment ead <br />