Hawaii Gov. Says Digital Equity Bill Is Unfair
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) might veto a digital equity bill (HB-2359), the governor’s office said Friday. The state legislature last month approved the bill that requires implementing a grant program by Jan. 10 (see 2405020014). However, Green included the…
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measure on an “intent to veto list” of 17 bills. The governor isn’t required to veto every bill on the list, but can’t veto bills not on the list. He has until July 10 to issue a final veto or the measure would become law. “This bill would inhibit the development of small-scale, community-based networks in historically disadvantaged communities” in Hawaii, the governor said. “As a matter of fairness, providers, regardless of size, should be permitted to participate in the Digital Equity Grant Program.” In general, the governor’s veto list “reflects our need to prioritize [Hawaii’s] crippling high cost of living, the state’s affordable housing crisis and … families impacted by the Maui wildfires,” the governor said. “In addition to fiscal considerations, my decisions are based on legal concerns, improving government operations, and avoiding negative impacts on the public.”