Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2024, the Governor returned the following bill without approval: HB2359 HD2 SD1 CD1

This bill establishes a Digital Equity Grant Program to provide funding for projects aimed at improving internet access and digital skills for disadvantaged groups in Hawaii, including low-income families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. The legislation creates a new chapter in state law to define covered populations and outline the grant program's goals of removing obstacles to digital equity. However, the Governor has returned the bill without approval, objecting to its exclusion of small-scale community-based networks from eligible projects. The executive argues that allowing these local providers to participate is necessary for best developing community networks in historically disadvantaged areas.