HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 043 Draft 01 2020-2022
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 Hawaiʻi 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, Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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, Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s
CHANGE Framework, and ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I that the County of Hawai‘i adopt the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) Hawaiʻi Broadband
Strategic Plan (Exhibit A) published in November 2020 and encourage infrastructure investments that ensures access to broadband for all residents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Hawai‘i become a signatory to the Digital Equity Declaration drafted by the Broadband Hui convened by DBEDT, the Economic Development Alliance
of Hawaiʻi, and Transform Hawaiʻi Government and support actions to further the goals of the declaration.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Hawai‘i testify in support of legislation at the Hawai‘i State Legislature that advances digital connectivity and equity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Hawai‘i engage with the Hawaiʻi Broadband and Digital Equity Coordination Group headed by the State Broadband Coordinator, the business community,
internet service providers and community organizations to develop an implementation plan in alignment with the goals of the Hawai‘i Broadband Strategic Plan and the Digital Literacy
Declaration.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the State Legislature Hawai‘i Island Delegation; the Honorable David Y. Ige, Governor of the
State of Hawai‘i; the Honorable Mitchell D. Roth, Mayor; Lee E. Lord, Managing Director; and the directors of the County departments of Research and Development, Planning, and Information
Technology.
Dated at _____________, Hawai‘i, this ______ day of ___________________, 20___.
INTRODUCED BY:
_______________________________________
Heather L. Kimball, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
_______________________________________
Ashley L.Kierkiewicz , COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai‘i
Hilo, Hawai‘i
ROLL CALL VOTE
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
CHUNG
DAVID
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of Hawai‘i on _____________________________________.
INABA
KĀNEALI‘I-KLEINFELDER
KIERKIEWICZ
KIMBALL
ATTEST:
LEE LOY
RICHARDS
VILLEGAS
Reference:
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER
RESOLUTION NO.