The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program has awarded the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands a $72 million grant to expand broadband internet access to thousands of underserved households. 

What You Need To Know

  • NTIA previously awarded DHHL $17 million for broadband expansion
  • The combined funds will be used for new telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development programs and digital equity initiatives for DHHL lessees
  • Grant funds will be dispersed over a four-year period, with projects rolling out through 2028
  • The grant was announced Tuesday at a news briefing in the offices of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who leads Connect Kakou, the state’s high-speed internet initiative

 

“This new federal funding will mean communities on Hawaiian home lands will have better, more reliable high-speed internet at home, helping more people access education, health care, and employment resources online,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and helped secure funding for the grant.

NTIA previously awarded DHHL $17 million for broadband expansion. The combined funds will be used for new telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development programs and digital equity initiatives for DHHL lessees. The new infrastructure will be established in areas that have limited access to broadband service and will be used to establish connections at planned housing developments, according to DHHL.

“Access to the Internet is just the starting point for today’s award,” said Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and Information and NTIA administrator. “With this ‘Internet for All’ grant, Native Hawaiians will have new high-speed internet connections and new opportunities through device purchases, workforce training, and digital education to make the most of those connections.”

The grant was announced Tuesday at a news briefing in the offices of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who leads Connect Kakou, the state’s high-speed internet initiative.

“For too long, many communities on Hawaiian home lands have lacked equitable access to the digital tools citizens need to participate fully in our modern economy,” Luke said. “This grant empowers people with the resources they need to succeed and will strengthen the bonds of our communities.”

Grant funds will be dispersed over a four-year period, with projects rolling out through 2028.

“The TBCP grant will enable DHHL to bring high-speed internet, digital education programs, and new community centers to our homesteads across the pae aina,” said DHHL director Kali Watson. “It’s more than just connectivity; it’s about opening doors to opportunity, through education, employment, and access to healthcare and other essential services. Mahalo to our federal partners at NTIA for supporting this vision.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.