HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0114.003 2020-2022 e
Noel Morin
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2021 7:09 AM
•• Council Testimony
Subject: SUPPORT for Res. 43-21 - A RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING DIGITAL EQUITY AND
URGING DEVELOPMENT OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE T �TaJWID- 19
RECOVERY AND FOSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNTY OF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
Time 1:
bq oton By
Aloha 1--lawaii County Council Members, Date FEB 1 5 2021
I am in STRONG SUPPORT of Res. 43-21 (A RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING DIGITAL EQUITY
AND URGING DEVELOPMENT OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOLSTER COVID- 19
RECOVERY AND FOSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT).
As a leader for a number of local non-profits focused on sustainability, resilience, and STEM education., and a former
e-commerce technologist with a long experience with remote work, I can attest to the value and importance of
reliable, high-speed internet access. It enables economic diversity and facilitates the communication necessary
education, healthcare, research, and other knowledge-sharing activities. It also creates and nurtures social bonds that
would otherwise be very difficult to do.
The importance of internet access has been highlighted during the pandemic. It's enabled people to continue working,
to stay connected with families and friends, to continue education, and to receive healthcare. Furthermore, it's enabled
businesses and governments to sustain their operations. without online coY�lectivity, the impact of the pandemic
would have been many tunes worse.
Unfortunately, access to reliable high-speed internet access is not universal, especially in Hawaii County. The high
number of households with limited access, either due to economic hardship or the lack of affordable high-speed
internet service in their geographic area, prevents many from availing themselves of the services and information that
are delivered online. This exacerbates the socio-economic challenges that these households already face. The
pandemic has put a bright spotlight on this disparity and inequity. we have responded with urgent stopgap measures
like 'ViTiFi on wheels' and Resilience Hubs but these are transient and insufficient. Vire must strive for lasting and
sustainable solutions.
;E
Broadband access is a tool that can help us improve our economy, create jobs and career opportunities, and improve
our general quality of life. The steps outlined in Resolution 43-21 (i.e., the adoption of the Hawaii Broadband 3
Strategic Plan, recognizing and supporting the Digital Equity Declaration, and actively participating in the
development and execution of relevant plans) lay the foundation for meaningful and timely action that can help us
bring equitable access to the internet.
Please support Resolution 43-21
Sincerely,
Noel Morin
Hilo
'N,1!o e 11 IM o r Ii ni
Comm. No.. 1141
Ref. To. P I
1Ref. Date FEB_ -1 7