Info-sessions to educate Kaua‘i residents on broadband equity and funding

The county of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development will hold a series of informational sessions from July to September to update and train the public on the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access and Development Challenge Process.

Despite increasing reliance on the internet, some people still lack access due to cost, remote locations, or lack of digital literacy. To address this digital divide, the federal government allocated $149.5 million to Hawaiʻi through the BEAD Program to fund internet infrastructure buildout to locations with no or substandard access.

However, to secure this funding, Kaua‘i must identify and document all residents without internet access.

“Basically, there will be funds available to ensure that everyone on Kaua‘i has affordable access to high-speed internet,” said Nate Prescott, OED business specialist. “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 OED’s challenge process trainings, participants will learn how to efficiently document the internet needs of their household, as well as those of their friends, family and community. Residents might have a valid challenge to existing data if:

• Your home lacks wired internet;
• Your only internet options are cell phone providers or satellite;
• You live too far away from the main road and the internet service providers will only install internet if you pay to have the infrastructure put in place; or
• Your internet is too slow (video games lag, videos buffer, video calls freeze).

Join OED’s challenge training sessions:

OED’s challenge training sessions will be held from July to early September, as the state’s BEAD challenge process runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 18. OED’s challenge training sessions will be held islandwide. The following sessions in Kekaha, Waimea, Līhu‘e and Hanalei have been scheduled at the time of this notice. Additional sessions in Hanapēpē, Kōloa, Kapa‘a and Kīlauea will be announced when those details are confirmed.

• Kekaha Neighborhood Center
  Address: 8130 Elepaio Road, Kekaha
  Date: July 17
  Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
  
• Waimea Neighborhood Center
  Address: 4556 Makeke Road, Waimea
  Date: July 18
  Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
  
• Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e
  Address: 4191 Hardy Street, Līhu‘e
  Date: July 31
  Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
  
• Hanalei Neighborhood Center
  Address: 5-5358 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei
  Date: Aug. 15
  Time: 6 – 7 p.m.

For more information and to see a full and updated list of OED’s challenge training sessions, visit the following link: bit.ly/kauaibroadband.

“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 buildout where the unserved and underserved truly are throughout our island.”