KAHULUI, Hawaii — Molokai residents are invited to provide feedback on the Hawaii Digital Equity Plan that proposes solutions for communities impacted by the digital divide, according to a Maui County news release.

What You Need To Know

  • The Hawaii Digital Equity Plan is a roadmap for digital equity access across the state over the next five years, addressing the need for those who don’t have reliable, affordable access to devices such as laptops and computers, training and the internet

  • The goal is to ensure that everyone — regardless of where they live, their income, language, age, race, any disability, or veteran status — has access to affordable devices, software, training, and reliable high-speed internet

In partnership with the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and Maui County, the University of Hawaii is conducting two public broadband information sessions during which they will collect comments.

The in-person session is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 19, at Molokai Library (15 Ala Malama St., Kaunakakai). Residents can sign up to participate.

There will also be an online information/comment session at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 2 via Zoom via this link.

On a basic level, the digital divide, also known as digital inequity, refers to the gap between those who have access to the internet and various communications technology and those who don’t. However, other factors include affordability, quality and relevance, according to the Internet Society, an organization that promotes the development of the internet as a global technical infrastructure.

Many people throughout the state experienced extreme isolation as a result of the COVID pandemic, which also exposed needs among residents because of the lack of access to digital resources. This digital inequity posed obstacles connected to education, health care, jobs and other basic services.

The Hawaii Digital Equity Plan is a roadmap for digital equity access across the state over the next five years, addressing the need for those who don’t have reliable, affordable access to devices such as laptops and computers, training and the internet.

According to the release, the goal is to ensure that everyone — regardless of where they live, their income, language, age, race, any disability, or veteran status — has access to affordable devices, software, training and reliable high-speed internet.

The public is invited to view the Digital Equity Plan Final Draft and provide comments regarding the plan through Oct. 31.

Upcoming meetings on Hawaii Island, Oahu and Maui:

  • Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m. - Hilo Office of Housing, 1990 Kinoole St., Suite 104
  • Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m. - UH West Oahu, 91-1001 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei, Classroom A220
  • Oct. 27, 9:30 a.m. - Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Family Center, 99 Mahalani St., Wailuku
  • Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. - via Zoom
  • Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m. - Kapiolani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Rd., Honolulu, Kopiko 126/127A
  • Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. - Hawaii Community College, 1175 Manono St., Hilo, Palamanui, Panini Rm. 126/127

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.