Broadband initiative to speed Internet in Hawaii

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Aug. 23 launched the Hawaii Broadband Initiative with a goal to provide affordable ultra-high-speed Internet statewide by 2018. The initiative aims to boost connection speeds to 1 gigabit per second, 200 times faster than today’s typical household connection speeds.

Using $33.6 million in federal stimulus funding, work is already under way for Hawaii to be the first state in the nation with 1 gigabit per second broadband connectivity at all public schools, libraries and universities.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism are leading the Hawaii Broadband Initiative. The project will boost ultra-high-speed broadband services and applications for economic development, health care, education, public safety, government efficiency and civic engagement.

The initiative's goals are to reduce barriers to Hawaii’s global participation,  ensure equitable access for all islands, and develop and implement a regulatory and permitting environment that supports and advances investment in broadband infrastructure and public services.