Hawaii
Hawaii secures over $6M to bridge digital divide
Hawaii on Thursday received more than $6 million from the federal government to implement its Digital Equity Plan, part of a nationwide effort to address barriers to internet access and use.
The funding is provided through the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The grant — part of the “Internet for All” initiative and a key element of President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda — aims to tackle challenges such as insufficient digital skills, lack of affordable devices like computers or tablets and the need for greater online safety awareness among underserved communities.
“Internet is now the essential tool for communications in our modern world. It’s essential for access to jobs, access to education, access to health care. That hasn’t always been true but it is very true today.
“Yet today, here in America in 2024, thousands of families in Hawaii and millions of people across the country still lack access to a high-speed internet connection, or they lack the tools or the means to use it,” said Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and administrator at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Hawaii’s approved digital equity plan includes initiatives to expand telehealth adoption, improve access to internet-enabled devices and provide cybersecurity tools and more affordable broadband options across the state.
The plan also aims to establish a digital navigator program targeting populations most in need.
The efforts are expected to strengthen communities by ensuring that more residents have the opportunity to connect and thrive online.
Hawaii will utilize the $6 million funding to execute its digital equity plan, which focuses on equipping individuals and communities with the tools and skills needed to achieve meaningful access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.
The award comes from the initial funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which allocated over $800 million for states, U.S. territories, native entities, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to apply for grants aimed at implementing their digital equity plans.
The plans were previously developed through the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke explained on a Thursday conference call that connectivity is like a three-legged stool, requiring three essential components: infrastructure, devices and digital literacy. She emphasized that while building the infrastructure to connect Hawaii to the mainland and beyond is crucial, it would be ineffective without ensuring people have access to devices.
Furthermore, Luke highlighted the importance of digital literacy, noting that even with widespread access to devices and Wi-Fi, the effort would fall short if residents lack the skills to use the internet effectively, such as completing essential online forms.
She added that the $6 million in federal funding will play a vital role in educating the population, improving digital literacy and helping residents navigate complex online services.
Hawaii will use the $6,017,160 in funding to implement initiatives that include supporting the expansion of telehealth programs, which will increase access to health care services statewide.
The funding will
also help increase access to internet- enabled devices, cybersecurity protections and affordable broadband services, ensuring more residents can connect to essential digital resources.
Additionally, the state plans to establish and expand a statewide digital navigator training program that focuses on teaching digital literacy, particularly for populations most in need.
As the program progresses, more funding opportunities will become available.
The state will spend the next 90 days working with counties, nonprofits and public partners to identify broadband expansion projects, with more details to follow.
“We’re going to work with the counties, the nonprofits, as well as other public partners, to identify these projects. And we actually have to get these approved by NTIA. So, some of the projects are making devices available, offering free digital literacy classes, and setting up a digital navigator program — a statewide program to scale up either existing
digital navigators or create new ones, so that these individuals can be trained to help their communities.
“Also, we will provide free access Wi-Fi points in public places and things like that,” the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Hawaii Broadband &Digital Equity Office’s broadband coordinator, Chung Chang, said.
The “Internet for All” initiative, a federal program designed to promote digital inclusion, was established to support all states and territories.
The funding is allocated based on need, and according to Davidson, Hawaii has significant demand for these resources.
The department has approved funding for approximately 40 out of the 56 states and territories.
“Access to affordable, reliable Internet is critical to support education, health care, and the socioeconomic welfare of our communities,” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said in a statement.
“Despite the ever-increasing importance of Internet access, there are still many in Hawaii who lack this access or the tools to use it to its full potential. This robust investment in Hawaii’s broadband infrastructure and digital literacy will help to ensure our kupuna can utilize telehealth services, our keiki can participate in remote learning, and our communities can develop the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving digital workforce.”
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The search for Honolulu’s next police chief is moving into the next phase.
The Honolulu Police Commission announced it has narrowed the candidate pool to six semi-finalists, selected from an initial list of 11 applicants identified by a recruitment firm.
“The commissioners feel these six applicants exhibited the leadership and management skills necessary to lead an organization as large, complex and critical to the community as the Honolulu Police Department,” said member of the Honolulu Police Commission, Chair Laurie Foster.
“Those qualities were identified in part by surveys and stakeholder interviews conducted by the recruitment firm,” she added.
The names of the semi-finalists have not been released. Officials said confidentiality is being maintained at this stage to encourage applicants who may still be employed elsewhere.
The candidates will next be interviewed by stakeholder panels made up of community members and others who interact with the Honolulu Police Department.
The commission is expected to select finalists during a May 6 meeting, with those names to be announced afterward.
Finalists will then participate in additional interviews and a public appearance before the commission votes on the next police chief at a public meeting scheduled for May 20.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Pending Home Sales Increased From February to March in the U.S.
Despite higher mortgage rates, pending home sales in the U.S. were up 1.5% in March from the prior month while recording a 1.1% year-over-year decline, according to the National Association of Realtors. On a monthly basis, pending home sales were up in the Northeast and South, while they declined in the Midwest and West. Year-over-year contract signings, however, were down in every region but the South. Realtor.com
‘Untouched’ Scottish Island Selling for £350,000
An island in Scotland will be sold at auction this week with a guide price of £350,000 (US$473,441). Insh Island last sold in 2019, when the National Trust for Scotland sold it for a reported £353,000. The National Trust acquired the island from the will of a man who reportedly lived in a cave for 30 years. Daily Record
Iran War Puts a Pause on Hawaii’s Housing Market Recovery
Hawaii’s housing market was set to be on the road to recovery this year, with local interest rates predicated to decline. However, the war with Iran has caused rates to shoot back up, diminishing buyer confidence. Hawaii’s high concentration of condos and second homes keeps Hawaii’s average mortgage rates slightly higher. Pacific Business News
Unlivable Waterfront Home Outside Melbourne Sells for A$2.38M
An unlivable property in Williamstown, Victoria—a suburb of Melbourne—has sold at auction for A$2.38 million (US$1.7 million), more than A$680,000 over its reserve price. Despite its rundown condition, the sale price isn’t surprising to most, as it’s one of the last opportunities to build on the waterfront. Domain
Hawaii offers a wide range of small towns across its islands, each with its own draw. The state has hikes among active volcanoes near Volcano Village and long stretches of coastline like Waimanalo Beach on Oahu. One town below sits on a crescent-shaped bay that has drawn visitors for decades. Another holds a winery on volcanic slopes. The list ahead covers seven small towns spanning beach and inland Hawaii.
Hanalei
On the north shore of Kauai, the census-designated place of Hanalei is known for a laid-back atmosphere, a crescent-shaped bay, and a small collection of shops and restaurants. Hanalei Beach is a stretch of fine sand and clear water, and has been featured in films including The Descendants and South Pacific. It has been ranked among the state’s best beaches, with picnic tables, good surfing, and kayaking all within reach. Within walking distance is the Hanalei Inn, a small retro-style lodging near downtown.
Further into town is the Wai’oli Mission House, a historic two-story missionary home built in 1837 and preserved as a museum. Tours run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, covering the lives of the missionaries who lived there. Near Black Pot Beach is Pat’s Taqueria, a Mexican food truck serving Hawaiian-style tacos, burritos, and quesadillas within walking distance of the Hanalei Pier. Locals and visitors both favor it for its locally sourced ingredients.
Pāʻia
In the north of Maui is Pāʻia (also spelled Paia), a walkable community with local surf shops, restaurants, and ocean views. Lower Pāʻia Park is one of the more photographed beaches in the state, with calm waters good for snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. Basketball courts, a skatepark, and a youth center sit nearby. Near the beach, the Surf Club is an event venue for weddings, dinners, and corporate or private functions, with a short walk back to downtown.
Wabisabi Soba and Sushi is a sushi restaurant on the Hana Highway known for its 100 percent buckwheat Jyuwari soba noodles. The interior and garden lean Japanese, and the restaurant is BYOB. The Rip Curl Surf Shop in downtown stocks swimwear, boardshorts, surf accessories, hats, surfboard covers, and apparel for anyone heading out to the waves.
Waimanalo
On the east side of Oahu is Waimanalo, a community with a three-mile stretch of beaches, a laid-back culture, and an agricultural character. At the eastern end of town is Sea Life Park Hawaii, an aquarium and animal sanctuary home to dolphins, sharks, sea lions, native fish, rays, and birds. Visitors can interact with animals in the water, visit penguin habitats, meet sea lions, and see sea turtles. Waimanalo Beach is a wide stretch of white sand backed by the Ko’olau Mountains, with turquoise water for swimming and surfing, and Waimanalo Beach Park shaded by ironwood trees. Parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is best.
Further inland, Olomana Golf Links is an 18-hole par-72 course with the Ko’olau Mountains in the background. Former U.S. President Barack Obama has played here, and professional golfer Michelle Wie trained on the course. The Waimanalo Forest Reserve is farther still, with quiet hikes on trails such as the ‘Ohana Trail and the Maunawili Ditch Trail, home to wild birds, small mammals, and reptiles, along with views of Maunawili Falls within the 500-acre reserve.
Volcano
Volcano, or Volcano Village, sits as the gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in a cool, damp rainforest setting. The park is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano in the world. The rest of the park holds geographical features that often require multiday trips to reach. Visitors can view lava eruptions, hike, and explore the rolling hills of the Kahuku Unit.
In the heart of town, the Lava Lodge at Hale Kilauea offers cottages for visitors exploring the park. Each cottage has a small tropical garden. The hotel is within walking distance of the Lava Rock Cafe, which serves burgers, pancakes, and local Hawaiian dishes. Volcano Winery is one of only a few wineries in the state, with views of Mauna Loa and a rare chance to taste Big Island wines on the Big Island itself.
Lānaʻi City
At the center of the island of Lānaʻi is Lānaʻi City, a plantation town with historic homes, local restaurants and shops, and a walkable center. On Lanai Avenue, Dreams Come True Bed and Breakfast is a renovated property with mountain views and a garden. Further up in town, the Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center preserves the island’s history, traditional cultures, and plantation past through photographs and artifacts.
The Lānaʻi Art Center is within walking distance of the Culture and Heritage Center. It serves as a studio space for local artists, features a gallery, offers classes and workshops, and is the island’s main community arts program. On the outskirts of town is the Koloiki Ridge Trailhead, a roughly 5-mile trail that follows old cattle paths and opens up to panoramic views of the island.
Honokaa
On the northeastern coast of the Big Island is Honokaa, a census-designated place with plantation-era architecture and a role as gateway to Waipi’o Valley. The Honokaa Heritage Center is a museum covering the town’s history, with research materials and exhibits of photographs and artifacts. The center hosts the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival every October, dedicated to the state’s plantation history with parades and a festival fair. South of the heritage center is the Hāmākua Country Club, a nine-hole course and one of the oldest on the island, set 1,200 feet above sea level with views of the Pacific Ocean. Carts are available for rent, and the course hosts tournaments.
Waipi’o Valley is just west of town. It was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha and is considered one of the most sacred places on the Big Island. Trails such as the Muliwai Trail lead into the tropical valley, where coconuts, green bananas, and papayas grow. Note that valley access is currently restricted to Hawaii residents.
Makawao
Upcountry from Paia is the census-designated place of Makawao, a community with boutique shops, art galleries, and an upcountry character. Makawao Public House is a gastropub serving local fare and paying tribute to the town’s past. On Baldwin Avenue, Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast sits on 2.5 acres of gardens with cottages for stays, a short drive from local restaurants and shops.
On the southern outskirts of town is the Kahakapao Loop Trail, a 5.9-mile route in the Makawao Forest Reserve that is a popular hiking and mountain biking spot. At roughly 4,000 feet, the rainforest setting offers a cooler alternative to a beach day. At the northern edge of town, the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center operates as a cultural hub with a gallery, classes, workshops, a gallery shop, and exhibits by local community members.
Small-Town Hawaii
Hawaii’s small towns provide a different side of the state from the major resorts, with local character, natural features, and regional history. Makawao draws visitors to the Makawao Forest Reserve. Volcano offers access to two of the state’s most active peaks. Waimanalo’s white-sand beach anchors the east side of Oahu. Each of these communities offers something different from the others, but all share a strong sense of place.
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