LIHUE, Hawaii — Kauai County’s Office of Economic Development is holding a series of informational sessions in order to secure federal funding for residents who need high-speed internet access.

What You Need To Know

  • OED is working to bridge the digital gap through the Broadband Equity, Access and Development Challenge Process which has allocated $149.5 million to Hawaii to fund the buildout of internet infrastructure in locations with no or substandard access

  • In order to secure the funding, the county has to identify and document all residents who are currently without internet access

  • OED’s Challenge Process Training sessions will be held islandwide July through September

  • During the Challenge Process Training sessions, participants will learn how to document the internet needs of their household, as well as those of their friends, family and community

Even with increasing reliance on the internet, there are still many people who lack access because of cost, being in a remote location or are deficient in digital literacy.

OED is working to bridge this digital gap through the Broadband Equity, Access and Development Challenge Process, which has allocated $149.5 million to Hawaii to fund the build-out of internet infrastructure in locations with no or substandard access.

But in order to secure the funding, the county has to identify and document all residents who are currently without internet access.

“Basically, there will be funds available to ensure that everyone on Kauai has affordable access to high-speed internet,” said OED Business Specialist Nate Prescott in a release. “That’s why we are urgently trying to identify those without access, and make sure that they are counted as they could be eligible for assistance.”

During the Challenge Process Training sessions, participants will learn how to document the internet needs of their household, as well as those of their friends, family and community. Valid challenges residents face include:

  • Lack of wired internet to the home
  • Cell phone providers or satellite are the only internet options
  • Your home is too far from the main road and internet service providers will only install internet if you pay to have the infrastructure put in place
  • Your internet is too slow – video games lag, videos buffer, video calls freeze

OED’s Challenge Process Training sessions will be held islandwide July through September. Just four of the sessions have been scheduled with more to be announced in Hanapepe, Koloa, Kapaa and Kilauea.

  • Wednesday, July 17, 6-7 p.m. - Kekaha Neighborhood Center, 8130 Elepaio Rd., Kekaha
  • Thursday, July 18, 6-7 p.m. - Waimea Neighborhood Center, 4556 Makeke Rd., Waimea
  • Wednesday, July 31, 2-3 p.m. - Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, 4191 Hardy St., Lihue
  • Thursday, Aug. 15, 6-7 p.m. - Hanalei Neighborhood Center, 5-5358 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei

Visit the Kauai Broadband Storymap website for more information and to see the schedule of training sessions.

“We recognize the vital importance of internet connectivity for our community and economy,” said Prescott. “High-speed broadband access enhances quality of life and fosters economic growth, innovation, and job creation. We look forward to working with our community on this opportunity to correct information and direct infrastructure build-out where the unserved and underserved truly are throughout our island.”

Individuals who would like to attend a training and require an auxiliary aid/device or other accommodation due to a disability are encouraged to contact Nate Prescott at 808-241-4948 to request assistance as soon as possible.

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