Broadband Office Name: Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office
BEAD Award Amount: $149.5 M
Hawaii Broadband Director: Burt Lum
Website: broadband.hawaii.gov
Hawaii BEAD Program Tracker
| State | IP Vol 1 Approval | IP Vol 2 Approval | Challenge Process Submission Started | Challenge Process Final Determination Phase Completed | 1-Year Subgrantee Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Yes | No | No | No | N/A |
Hawaii BEAD Program Information
Key Updates
The Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office will begin its challenge process in July 2024.
A training session is being held for individuals, including members of the public, who plan to collect information to support an Eligible Entity’s challenge. This training will guide participants on how to collect evidence for a nonprofit to submit on their behalf, as well as how to collect and upload evidence directly to the Hawaiʻi BEAD Challenge Portal, where an Eligible Entity can submit it.
June 27, 2024, at 12 PM – State Challenge Process In-Person Training Registration
Hawaii BEAD Program Plans & Maps
Hawaii BEAD Program Initial Proposal Volume 2: Overview
*Information is subject to change. Hawaii is awaiting official approval of Initial Proposal Volume 2 from the NTIA.
BEAD Long-Term Objectives
Goals and objectives of Connect Kakou:
- Universal High-Speed Internet Access:
- Objective: Ensure all residents have reliable and affordable access to high-speed internet.
- Action: Identify underserved locations through community outreach and redefine Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) to better serve all communities.
- Digital Integration for All:
- Objective: Enable all Hawaiʻi residents to participate in a digitally integrated society.
- Action: Expand digital equity programs and integrate the State of Hawaiʻi Digital Equity Plan with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
- Maximizing Benefits from Broadband Projects:
- Objective: Ensure the effective use of state and federal funds to benefit Hawaiʻi.
- Action: Strategically allocate funds to maximize value, support the state strategy, and leverage private investments. Integrate existing IT workforce development initiatives with BEAD and Digital Equity programs.
- Sustaining Public Broadband Infrastructure:
- Objective: Protect and sustain broadband infrastructure created from federal and state investments.
- Action: Establish a broadband infrastructure working group to oversee and ensure the financial sustainability of these assets.
Hawaii BEAD Program Project Area Design
Project areas for Connect Kakou are being designed based on Hawaiʻi’s unique geographic structure, where each island functions as a separate county. This approach allows for tailored strategies that address the specific needs and challenges of each island community.
Hawaii BEAD Program Extremely High Cost Threshold
The Extremely High Cost Threshold will be established after receiving applications. This process involves:
- Identifying Outliers: Locations with unusually high costs for building and maintaining broadband infrastructure will be pinpointed as outliers. These outliers will be determined based on both capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex).
- Utilizing Cost Models: The eligible entity planning tool cost models will be employed to assess and categorize these high-cost areas accurately.
BEAD Deployment Subgrantee Selection
Hawai’i is asking for the following preregistration evidence from subgrantees and compliance with: Financial capability, managerial capability, operational capability, technical capability, ownership info, public funding info, compliance with laws, cybersecurity/supply chain compliance, and BABA/EHP/NEPA/NHPA compliance.
Primary Scoring Criteria for Priority Broadband Projects
- 65 pts – Minimal BEAD Outlay
- 15 pts – Affordability
- 15 pts – Labor Standards
Secondary Scoring Criteria
- 10 pts – Speed to Deployment
- 10 pts – Speed of Network and other Technical Capabilities
- 5 pts – Technical Response
- 5 pts – Open Access
BEAD Non-Deployment Subgrantee Selection
As with deployment programs, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for non-deployment activities will be released through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi (RCUH). These RFPs will specify that potential subgrantees must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Capability: Ability to competently carry out activities funded by the subgrant.
- Financial and Managerial Capacity: Capability to meet commitments with the financial and managerial capacity required.
- Technical and Operational Capability: Ability to provide the services promised in the subgrant as intended.
Evaluation Criteria:
Total Points: 100
- Project Merit (40 points)
- Qualifications and Expertise (25 points)
- Technical/Operational Capability: 15 points
- Financial/Managerial Capability: 10 points
- Project Sustainability (15 points)
- Project Budget (10 points)
- Prior Community Engagement (5 points)
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Locally Significant Area (LSA) Firm (5 points)
Authorized Funding Activities:
The funding is authorized for a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing broadband access and digital inclusion in Hawaiʻi, including:
- Broadband Education and Training: Providing broadband education, awareness, and training to residents at community sites.
- Subsidized Access and Equipment: Offering subsidized broadband access and equipment to qualified low-income households.
- Community-Based Digital Services: Enhancing the use of broadband services by community organizations to deliver digital skills training, digital inclusion programs, workforce development, and technology services.
- Broadband Adoption and Usage: Stimulating the adoption and community use of broadband services for telehealth, remote learning, telework, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation.
- Digital Skills and IT Workforce Development: Building digital skills and IT workforce capacity, including education in coding, cybersecurity, technician roles, and work-based learning programs.
- Needs Assessment and Planning: Assessing the needs of anchor communities and conducting planning related to online education, digital inclusion, workforce development, and digital skills development.
- Data Collection and Evaluation: Gathering data and evaluating digital inclusion, broadband access and adoption, and professional development programs.
BEAD Eligible Entity Implementation
Since receiving BEAD planning funds in October 2022, the UHBO has initiated several key activities to enhance broadband access and equity across Hawaiʻi.
Executed Activities:
- Staff Expansion: The UHBO has added five full-time employees. These roles are coordinated across federal broadband funding programs, supplementing the capabilities of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to ensure effective use of funds and project implementation. (Funding: $2.9M)
In-Progress Activities:
- Data Collection and Research:
- Objective: Gather data and conduct research to identify the population of directly unserved/underserved individuals and those facing barriers to full broadband adoption and benefits.
- Funding: $900,000
- Training and Technical Assistance:
- Objective: Provide training and technical assistance to broadband staff, contractors, community organizations, and state/county entities.
- Funding: $300,000
- Community Engagement and Outreach:
- Objective: Support broadband community engagement through a statewide public communication campaign, UHBO outreach and community engagement events, and funding for county outreach and community events.
- Funding: $800,000
- Challenge Portal Development:
- Objective: Contract with a vendor to create a challenge portal tool for the State of Hawaiʻi that meets NTIA’s minimum requirements.
- Funding: Included in overall project budget
BEAD Local, Tribe, and Regional Broadband Planning Process
Hawaiʻi has developed a three-part strategy for initial communications and outreach to ensure the success of its statewide broadband initiative. These components include:
- County Coordination, UH Engagement, and Listening Sessions:
- All four counties are actively participating in the State’s digital equity efforts. This includes informational briefings, outreach activities, and engaging local stakeholders and community groups to ensure comprehensive coverage for the State’s broadband initiatives.
- Collaboration with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) focuses on Tribal Broadband Connectivity (TBC) efforts. Since Native Hawaiians are not a federally recognized tribe, the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) sought guidance from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). NTIA clarified that formal consultation with Native Hawaiians is not required for BEAD and Digital Equity (DE) programs.
- Statewide Communications and Branding Campaign:
- Engaging business and community groups, including active non-profit organizations, Hawaiʻi plans to establish widespread Community Digital Hubs. These hubs will provide community-based access and support, building on the concept of Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs).
- Statewide Coordination of Efforts:
- Hawaiʻi is orchestrating major state and federal broadband investments, including BEAD, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF), Digital Equity (DBEDT/HBDEO), the Affordable Connectivity Program (DBEDT/HBDEO), and Tribal Broadband Connectivity (DHHL with UH assistance). These funding efforts are designed to complement each other.
- Approximately 10,500 unserved or underserved last-mile locations across the state qualify for BEAD funding.
Funding and Reporting:
- Funding Distribution: An initial lump sum of $100,000 will be subgranted to each county, with an eighteen-month initial performance period.
- Reporting Requirements: Counties must provide quarterly reports on spending, activities, data, and metrics on community engagement activities. UH hosts regular weekly meetings with counties to regroup, provide updates, and coordinate efforts.
Hawaiʻi Act 231 Broadband Working Group:
The Hawaiʻi Act 231 Broadband Working Group includes members from various state departments and counties. The group meets at least quarterly to determine the appropriate governance structure to implement, operate, and maintain state-owned broadband infrastructure assets. Members include representatives from:
- University of Hawaiʻi
- Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism
- Hawaiʻi Department of Budget & Finance
- Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services
- Hawaiʻi Department of Health
- Hawaiʻi Department of Education
- Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
- Kauaʻi County
- City and County of Honolulu
- Maui County
- Hawaiʻi County
- The Lieutenant Governor’s Office
BEAD Labor Standards & Protection
Hawaii requires all BEAD subgrantees to submit the following information:
A record of past compliance with federal/employment laws:
- Must address info on deployment projects within the last 3 years.
- Certification form from an Officer/Director level employee of past compliance.
- Written confirmation that subgrantee has disclosed any violations from contractors within the last 3 years.
- Discussion of workforce plan
Plans for ensuring compliance with federal/employment laws:
- How subgrantee will ensure compliance in its labor/employment practices.
- Info on applicable wage scales, wage, and overtime practices for each class of employee expected to be involved in physical construction of the network.
- How subgrantee will ensure implementation of workplace safety committees.
- Comply with the Prevailing Wages Act.
- Other items as outlined in the BEAD NOFO.
BEAD Minority Business Enterprises / Women’s Business Enterprises / Labor Surplus Area Firms Inclusion
To ensure diverse business participation in Hawaiʻi’s broadband initiatives, the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) will utilize several key resources and partnerships:
- U.S. Small Business Administration’s Database Search Tool: This tool will be used to identify and recruit minority-owned, women-owned, and labor surplus area firms.
- Hawaiʻi Awards & Notices Data System (HANDS): HANDS is a centralized system for soliciting bids on projects throughout the state and provides a comprehensive list of small businesses, including those that are minority-owned, women-owned, Native Hawaiian-owned, veteran-owned, and labor surplus firms registered with the State.
UH will collaborate with various organizations to recruit and engage these businesses:
- Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism
- Hawaiʻi Office of Hawaiian Affairs
- Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce
- Hawaiʻi Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers
- Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center
- Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
- Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership Women’s Business Center
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
- Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce
- Kanaka Economic Development Alliance
- Kauai Economic Development Board
- Maui Economic Development Board
- City & County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization
UH will regularly monitor and report on diversity efforts, specifically tracking:
- Number of Contracts Awarded: The number of contracts awarded to minority-owned, women-owned, and labor surplus area firms.
- Impact Delivered: The impact and outcomes of the involvement of these businesses in broadband projects.
BEAD Cost & Barrier Reduction
1. Promoting the use of existing infrastructure.
2. Promoting and adapting dig-once policies.
3. Streamlining permitting processes.
4. Streamlining cost-effective access to poles, conduits, and easements.
5. Streamlining rights of way, including the imposition of reasonable access requirements.
BEAD Low-Cost Broadband Service Option
Approximately 10% of Hawaiʻi’s population lives in poverty. To address this, selected subgrantees must offer low-cost broadband options that adhere to the following criteria:
- Affordable Pricing: To the extent possible, the cost should be $30 per month or less, inclusive of all taxes, fees, and charges.
- ACP Compatibility: Allow end users to apply the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subsidy, or a successor program subsidy, to the service price to achieve “net free” access.
- Adequate Speeds: Provide a minimum of 100/20 Mbps or the highest speed achievable from the existing infrastructure.
- Low Latency: Ensure typical latency measurements are no more than 100 milliseconds.
- No Data Caps: The service should not be subject to data caps, surcharges, or usage-based throttling.
- Upgrade Flexibility: If the provider later offers a low-cost plan with higher speeds, eligible subscribers currently subscribed to a low-cost broadband service option should be allowed to upgrade to the new low-cost offering at no additional cost.
- Mandatory ACP Participation: Subgrantees must participate in the ACP or a successor program to ensure affordability for low-income households.
BEAD Middle-Class Affordability
Hawaiʻi is channeling a significant portion of its U.S. Treasury Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) allocation towards constructing a new inter-island submarine fiber optic cable system. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the state’s middle mile infrastructure and improve broadband connectivity across the islands.
- Submarine Fiber Optic Cable System:
- CPF Allocation: Major investment in a new inter-island submarine fiber optic cable system.
- Middle Mile Competitive Grant: Hawaiian Telcom has been awarded this grant to enhance both subsea and terrestrial middle mile capacity within its core networks.
- Market Impact:
- Competitive Market Influence: Ongoing middle mile investments from the CPF and other anticipated funds over the next decade are expected to lower prices for both carriers and the public.
- Economic Stimulation: By building new broadband routes to previously unserved areas, the State aims to expand direct service market capacity and create new economic opportunities.
- Comprehensive Infrastructure Development:
- Foundational Investments: Building on the CPF and Middle Mile Grant (MMG) programs, along with legacy investments from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and Connect America Fund (CAF).
- Gap Filling: Utilizing Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Tribal Broadband Connectivity funds to address remaining gaps in rural last mile infrastructure.
