DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

SYLVIA LUKE

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

DIRECTOR

CHUNG I. CHANG

STRATEGIC BROADBAND COORDINATOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2024

DIGITAL EQUITY INNOVATION AWARDS HONORS THOSE HELPING TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN HAWAI'I

First-ever awards held during Digital Inclusion Week

In recognizing the work of individuals and organizations who help provide internet access and close the digital divide across the state of Hawai'i, 18 recipients of the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards (DEIA) were honored today.

Conducted in conjunction with National Digital Inclusion Week (October 7-11), the awards ceremony this morning recognized pioneers, future innovators, dedicated advocates, impactful organizations and data-driven leaders making significant strides in digital equity. This includes providing others with access to technology from broadband connectivity to devices, as well as teaching the necessary digital skills that are beneficial in employment, education, healthcare and other important facets of everyday life.

The digital awards were organized by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Hawai'i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), the Broadband Hui and Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), in partnership with the four county governments and the islands' nonprofit community access television providers, , Hōʻike Kaua'i Community Television, Akakū Maui Community Media and Nā Leo TV. The awards recognized those in each of the four counties in the following categories:

• Digital Equity Pioneer Award: Those making outstanding contributions to closing the digital divide in each of Hawai'i's counties through innovative access and skills training.
• Future Innovators Award: Student teams driving digital inclusion within their schools and communities with creative solutions and leadership.
• Digital Equity Luminary Award: Individuals championing digital equity through sustained advocacy and impactful leadership.
• Community Impact Award: Organizations with measurable success in fostering digital inclusion and reducing disparities.
• Digital Equity Beacon Award: Awarding those who effectively use data to tell stories, measure progress, and drive decision-making.

Hawai'i Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, who last year announced the launch of the state's "Connect Kākou" initiative to expand broadband service statewide through anticipated federal funding, praised the accomplishments of the DEIA winners.

"Achieving accessible and affordable high-quality internet for all of Hawaiʻi is the commitment of Connect Kākou. Making this a reality will require a collective effort-from government and nonprofits to businesses, students, educators, and digital equity leaders," Lt. Gov. Luke said. "Mahalo to the dedicated community champions who are paving the way to create a future that keeps us all connected for generations to come."

The awardees are listed below and grouped by county:

City and County of Honolulu

Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Hui O Hau'ula (Community Impact Award)

Dan Smith, Hawai'i Broadband Hui (Beacon Award)

Stacey Aldrich, Hawai'i State Librarian (Luminary Award)

Wendy Dakroub and Sasha Kamahele, Tech Savvy Teens (Future Innovators Award)

Jill Takasaki Canfield, Hawai'i Literacy (Pioneer Award)

County of Hawai'i

Ron and Doreen Kodani, Pi'ihonua Hawaiian Homestead Community Association (Luminary Award)

Brad Kaleo Bennett, 'Auamo Collaborative (Beacon Award)

Pono Kekela, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (Pioneer Award)

Paola Vidulich, SPACE (Future Innovators Award)

County of Kaua'i

David Braman, Amalia Abigania and Leah Aiwohi, Kaua'i High School (Future Innovators Award)

Pete Simon, Kuleana.work (Pioneer Award)

James Thesken, Kaua'i Technology Group (Beacon Award)

Jackie Kaina, Kaua'i Economic Development Board (Luminary Award)

Ken Dickinson, Kūpuna Connections (Community Impact Award)

County of Maui

Bill Sides, Hāna Business Council East Maui Broadband (Luminary Award)

Marc Sanders, Hāna Business Council Broadband Committee (Pioneer Award)

Ka'ala Souza, Māpunawai Inc. (Luminary Award)

Michael Shiffler, Red Lightning (Community Impact Award)

A video of the DEIA awards program can be viewed at this link: https://youtu.be/h9adTnDXZcc

The DEIA awards program will also be broadcast at 10 a.m. today on the Hōʻike Kaua'i Community Television, Akakū Maui Community Media and Nā Leo TV public access channels on the neighbor islands, and tonight at 7 p.m. on O'ahu on .

About Hawai'i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO):

HBDEO was established within the state of Hawai'i Department of Business, Economic

Development and Tourism with a mission to support and coordinate statewide deployment of high-speed internet access (broadband) and to achieve the goals of digital equity and adoption for all residents of Hawai'i. HBDEO's functions include the coordination, implementation, promotion, funding and managing of programs that ensure the equitable distribution of digital technologies and provide pathways to maximize Hawai'i's competitiveness in the digital economy.

About Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT):

DBEDT is Hawai'i's resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT's mission is to achieve a Hawai'i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai'i's citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation sector job growth.

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Media Contact:

Laci Goshi

Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

808-518-5480

[email protected]

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