HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2449

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to broadband access for seniors.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that seniors with broadband technology access live better, longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives due to stronger social connections and frequent interactions with friends and family members.  Broadband also provides seniors with a more accessible interactive lifeline that enables them to quickly access economic and health care services.  Seniors who have adopted broadband technology use are often enthusiastic users, incorporating it into their daily lives.  However, senior broadband awareness and adoption remains low due to various obstacles, including a lack of understanding of broadband technology.

     The legislature further finds that, pursuant to section 440G-11.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the director of commerce and consumer affairs is responsible for making recommendations to establish broadband services to underserved areas and facilitating the deployment and development of broadband applications, programs, and services.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of commerce and consumer affairs to conduct a feasibility study on deploying broadband technology to county- and state-run senior centers.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall conduct a study on the feasibility of deploying broadband technology to all county- and state-run senior centers in the State.

     (b)  The study shall include estimated costs for the following:

     (1)  Installation of broadband equipment;

     (2)  Purchase or lease of equipment;

     (3)  Training for senior center employees to use broadband technology and instruct seniors on its use;

     (4)  Operation and maintenance of equipment; and

     (5)  Development of programs for seniors to use broadband technology, including distance learning.

     (c)  The study shall also include:

     (1)  Identification of sources to support the deployment of broadband technology in senior centers, including federal grants, private funds, and nonprofit organizations that may provide funding or subsidized personnel; and

     (2)  An inventory of the existing broadband capacity, associated alternative technologies, and related programs offered at senior centers.

     (d)  The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2019.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $25,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the department of commerce and consumer affairs to conduct a feasibility study on deploying broadband technology at county- and state-run senior centers.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

DCCA; Broadband; Study; Senior Centers; Report; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to conduct a feasibility study on deploying broadband technology at county- and state-run senior centers.  Appropriates moneys.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.