The University of Hawaii and Ocean Networks, Inc. announced Thursday a $120 million undersea optical fiber cable system will expand high-speed internet throughout the state.

The project, the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link, is a key component of Gov. Josh Green’s state broadband initiative, Connect Kakou, according to a news release. 

"This inter-island cable system will leverage the once-in-a-generation federal investment for technological infrastructure and position our state for long-term economic growth,” said Green. "The resulting network will be open to all carriers and sufficiently robust to support all manner of telecommunications carrier and enterprise traffic, including anticipated future high-capacity demands supporting healthcare, education, research, public service, commerce, and government uses." 

ONI will construct, operate and maintain the inter-island cable system. Funding for the project will come from a federal grant and through private equity and secured debt. 

When HIFL starts operating in 2026, it will process a high volume of data and will be the inter-island backbone of Connect Kakou. It will be a carrier-neutral, open-access system with landing sites on all the major Hawaiian Islands, which will improve regional connectivity. The HIFL system will have 24 fiber pairs and is designed to last 25 years.