Hawaiʻi has received federal approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to access $149 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funds to expand broadband infrastructure, targeting approximately 7,000 eligible locations. “This approval is an important step toward bringing better internet connectivity options to communities across our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who leads the state’s Connect Kākou initiative, according to the Office of the Governor.
The preliminary award recipients, Hawaiian Telcom and Amazon Leo, were chosen through a competitive RFP process to improve high-speed internet access. The initiative aims to strengthen community resilience and support essential services such as education and healthcare, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
The University of Hawaiʻi Broadband Office has received NTIA approval to finalize contracts with telecommunications companies for last-mile broadband deployment, including construction work. The approval allows funds to be used mainly for infrastructure, with other spending restrictions remaining until guidance is issued in early 2026. Hawaiian Telecom has a four-year contract, and Amazon Leo has a 10 year contract. Garret Yoshimi, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University of Hawaiʻi, said, “We’re excited to take the next step in the execution of the BEAD program and remain fully committed to achieving universal access for residents throughout our state,” as stated by the Office of the Governor.
