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SCR 53

REQUESTING THE COMPTROLLER TO COOPERATE WITH THE HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM, OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND HAWAII BROADBAND AND DIGITAL EQUITY OFFICE TO IDENTIFY RURAL AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE WITH A NEED FOR BETTER TELECOMMUNICATION ACCESS FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 12 co-sponsors

SCR 53 improves telecommunication access for rural and underserved Hawaii communities, enabling greater participation in the state legislative process and enhancing civic engagement.

Received notice of Adoption (Sen. Com. No. 877).
#accessibility #civicengagement #hspls #lrb
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Bill Summary · SCR 53

Summary of SCR 53

Bill Number: SCR 53
Title: Requesting the Comptroller to Cooperate with the Hawaii State Public Library System, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office to Identify Rural and Underserved Communities in the State with a Need for Better Telecommunication Access for Residents to Participate in the State Legislative Process.
Status: Received notice of Adoption (Sen. Com. No. 877)
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject: Accessibility, Civic Engagement, HSPLS, LRB

Purpose and Intent

SCR 53 aims to enhance civic engagement by improving telecommunication access for residents in rural and underserved communities in Hawaii. The resolution emphasizes the need for better connectivity to enable these communities to participate more effectively in the state legislative process.

Key Provisions

  • Collaboration: The resolution calls for the Comptroller to work with several key entities:

    • Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS)
    • Office of Planning and Sustainable Development
    • Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office

  • Identification of Communities: The primary task is to identify rural and underserved communities that lack adequate telecommunication access. This identification process is crucial for understanding where improvements are needed.

  • Focus on Legislative Participation: By enhancing telecommunication access, the resolution seeks to facilitate greater participation of residents in the legislative process, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in state governance.

Affected Parties

  • Residents of Rural and Underserved Communities: The bill directly impacts individuals living in areas with limited access to telecommunication services, potentially improving their ability to engage with state legislative activities.

  • State Agencies: The resolution involves collaboration among various state agencies, which will need to coordinate efforts to assess and improve telecommunication access.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 07, 2025: SCR 53 was introduced.
  • April 10, 2025: The committee on Education recommended the measure be passed with amendments.
  • April 14, 2025: The resolution was adopted in the House as amended (HD 1).
  • April 15, 2025: The Senate initially disagreed with House amendments but later agreed after reconsideration.
  • April 24, 2025: The resolution was adopted in its final form, receiving notice of adoption.

Conclusion

SCR 53 represents a significant step towards improving telecommunication access for underserved communities in Hawaii. By fostering collaboration among state agencies, the resolution aims to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process, thereby enhancing democratic engagement and representation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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