Aloha,
I’m excited to share a significant announcement regarding Hawaiʻi’s high-speed internet initiative, Connect Kākou—Google has committed $1 billion to expand undersea internet cables in the Pacific, including three new transpacific routes connecting Hawaiʻi. This investment promises a historical improvement to our state’s internet infrastructure, ensuring reliable access for everyone.
In other exciting news, we recently hosted the 2nd Annual Food Drive Fest in support of Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s State Employees’ Food Drive and welcomed new Ready Keiki partners —the latest additions to the state’s Early Learning Board. Additionally, my office has launched a new application portal for minors seeking name changes.
Throughout all these developments, your ongoing support for my office is deeply appreciated as we continue to work towards meaningful progress for our state. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and my Website for the latest updates. Your thoughts, feedback, and ideas are always welcome.
Mahalo
|
Sylvia Luke
Lieutenant Governor
|
Keeping Hawaiʻi Connected: $1 Billion Google Investment for Internet Infrastructure
|
As the most remote island chain in the world, Hawaiʻi depends heavily on undersea cables for our internet connection. Currently, our connectivity is reliant on three main undersea cables, and two of the cables are nearing the end of their operational lifespans.
With a $1 billion investment, Google will help connect Hawai’i via three transpacific internet routes—Taihei, Tabua, and Interlink. The cables will connect Hawaiʻi with Japan, the continental U.S., the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam.
These developments are not just simple upgrades to old systems; they are brand new and essential to keeping Hawaiʻi connected to the internet. Google’s investment comes as a significant milestone in our Connect Kākou initiative to ensure internet access for all of Hawaiʻi.
|
Public Input for Federal Broadband Funding
|
We want to hear from you! Nonprofits and community advocates are encouraged to share their input on accessing the internet. With incoming federal funding aimed at improving internet reliability, public input is crucial to ensuring that everyone in Hawai’i can get online.
The University of Hawaiʻi Broadband Office will host two virtual information sessions this month, on May 2nd and May 9th at 12:00 pm.
|
Welcome New Early Learning Board Members
|
This month, Governor Green appointed eight new board members to the state’s Early Learning Board. I’m thrilled to welcome these outstanding women leaders, who collectively bring decades of experience in supporting the well-being of children, whether in education, childcare, human services, or healthcare.
As we press on with the Ready Keiki initiative, striving for universal access to preschool across Hawaiʻi, I look forward to the leadership these board members will provide.
|
From Left to Right: Alanna Bauman (Kaua’i County), Kauʻi Burgess (At-Large), and Alanna Bauman (Kaua’i County)
|
From Left to Right: Joni Onishi (Hawai’i County), Elaine Yamashita (Maui County), Dr. Lindsey Heathcock (City and County of Honolulu), Sulma Gandhi (At-Large), and Cheryl Cudiamat (At-Large).
|
Applications Open for Hawaiʻi Public Pre-K
|
If you or someone you know has preschool-aged keiki, over 40 NEW public preschool classrooms will be opening for the 2024-2025 school year. All children aged 3 or 4 on or before July 31 of the school year are eligible to apply.
|
NEW Application: Name Change for Minors
|
This month, my office added the Minor Name Change Form by both parents (Form C) to our online name change services. This means the Name Change application is now fully supported online for minors. Parents and guardians can now easily fill out the form and submit payment through the online portal.
|
Eliminating Hunger Across Our State
with Hawaiʻi Foodbank
|
This month, my office hosted a number of events to support Hawaiʻi Foodbank's State Employees’ Food Drive. From April 18-19, local businesses and state workers came together at the Capitol for the 2nd Annual Food Drive Fest where we collected non-perishable food and monetary donations.
We also partnered with the University of Hawaiʻi Athletics to promote the Foodbank at their UH Baseball and Men’s Volleyball games. Loyal fans stopped by on game day to learn about Foodbank and donate.
Mahalo for all the support and generosity of the State Employees’ Food Drive. This year, our goal is to raise 400,000 meals. With your support, we can eliminate food insecurity in Hawaiʻi. The State Employees’ Food Drive runs until May 17. Every donation makes a difference for our community!
|
I attended the unveiling of the Waipahu High School Academic Health Center where health academy students will learn from and work with physicians and medical professionals to serve patients.
|
The Hawaii Data + AI Summit brought together public sector IT staff and industry experts. I also recognized Chief Information Officer, Doug Murdock, for his contributions to modernizing our government.
|
I had the pleasure of meeting with the Jeju Delegation, one of Hawaiʻi’s sister states, where we discussed our sister state relations.
|
I had a wonderful time celebrating Shizue Ishihara’s 103rd birthday with her at the Furukawa Living Treasure Senior Activity Day Care Center.
|
Hours
Monday to Friday
7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
(Except state holidays)
|
Location
Hawaiʻi State Capitol,
415 South Beretania Street, 5th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
|
Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for updates here.
|
|
.png)
.png)
