HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Digital equity means everyone has the same access to technology and the internet, no matter where they live or how much money they have. It’s important because we use the internet for school, work, news, communications, health... really, everything in our lives.
Some people don't have fast or reliable internet which makes it nearly impossible for everyone to keep up with important things. By making sure everyone has good internet and the devices they need, we can help everyone have the same chances to learn, work, and connect with others.
Digital equity helps make sure no one is left behind in our digital world.
Improving internet access
ʻAuamo Collaborative is working to improve internet access in Hawaiʻi by asking residents to help identify connectivity gaps.
"We believe that every resident of Hawaiʻi deserves access to high-quality broadband services, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status," said Kaleo Bennett, ʻAuamo Collaborative Executive Director.
This survey will help understand the needs of communities and shape efforts to improve internet access. The survey asks about internet usage, barriers to access, and satisfaction with current services.
"We encourage all residents of Hawaiʻi to participate and make their voices heard," added Bennett. "Your input is invaluable for shaping the future of broadband connectivity in our state."
The survey results will guide policy recommendations, investments, and community projects to bridge the digital divide in Hawaiʻi. Residents are encouraged to take and share the survey.
Understanding digital equity
Digital equity means everyone has the same access to technology and the internet, no matter where they live or how much money they have.
It’s important because we use the internet for school, work, health, and fun. Some people don't have fast or reliable internet, making it harder for them to keep up with important things.
By making sure everyone has good internet and the devices they need, we can help everyone have the same chances to learn, work, and connect with others.
Digital equity helps make sure no one is left behind in our digital world.
Kaleo Bennett's perspective
Kaleo Bennett indicated the work of this nonprofit organization initially focused on educational programming and community resilience work.
During the pandemic, ʻAuamo Collaborative became involved in distributing computers to students who were stuck at home without access to online education. This effort led to a deeper connection with the State of Hawaiʻi Broadband Hui and a greater focus on digital equity.
Bennett and ʻAuamo Collaborative began working with several groups to establish community broadband networks, especially in rural areas lacking infrastructure. These networks can use a single point of connection to broadcast internet signals throughout a town or village.
Through this work, Bennett started examining actual connectivity rates, determining which communities were connected and which were not, and understanding the reasons behind these disparities.
This initiative has evolved into the current digital broadband mapping project, aimed at improving internet access across Hawaiʻi.
The importance of digital equity
The pandemic didn't create the digital equity problem; it made it very apparent. People had to stay at home and access things online, making the lack of connectivity very obvious. In Hawaiʻi, our connection is through undersea cables.
If there's one problem with an undersea cable, entire islands could go without service for a period of time. Each island has very rural areas that are unserved or underserved. With this digital broadband mapping project, we're trying to identify those pockets and figure out what connectivity looks like or doesn't look like.
Collecting this data will help us help communities access funding. There is federal funding available through the Broadband Equity and Access Deployment program.
The state of Hawaiʻi is getting $150 million to improve connectivity across the state. To access that funding, we need data to determine whether or not communities are considered served or underserved.
"The tool we're providing to the public at no cost allows people to take a speed test and look at the connectivity in their area," said Bennett. "They can compare their speeds and determine whether they are served or underserved based on federal definitions."
Encouraging participation
"We encourage all residents of Hawaiʻi to participate in this survey and make their voices heard," added Bennett. "Your input is invaluable for shaping the future of broadband connectivity in our state."
This survey asks about internet usage patterns, perceived barriers to access, satisfaction levels with existing broadband services, and resident feedback.
The findings of the survey will be compiled and analyzed by experts. The results will inform policy recommendations, infrastructure investments, and community-driven initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide in Hawaiʻi.
About ʻAuamo Collaborative
ʻAuamo Collaborative is a nonprofit committed to assisting underserved indigenous and indigent communities and families through direct service projects to meet immediate areas of need, free educational programs, connection to community resources, and compassionate educational and community advocacy.
Digital equity ensures everyone has the same access to technology and the internet, which is crucial for education, work, health and daily life.
By participating in ʻAuamo Collaborative's survey, residents of Hawaiʻi can help identify connectivity gaps and shape the future of internet access in the state.
You can click here to find out more about the survey to sign up.
This effort will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in our digital world.