Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Cooperate With The Hawaii State Public Library System To Identify Rural And Underserved Communities In The State With A Need For Better Telecommunication Access For Residents To Participate In The State Legislative Process.
Summary
SR35 is a Senate resolution requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) to identify rural and underserved communities that need better telecommunications access so residents can participate more fully in the state legislative process. The resolution frames public participation in lawmaking as a basic civic right and emphasizes the barriers faced by neighbor island residents, rural Oʻahu communities, and people with developmental disabilities.
The resolution also asks the LRB’s Public Access Room to collaborate with HSPLS on an outreach program to inform the public about library resources that can support remote participation, such as broadband internet, computers, and videoconferencing equipment. In addition, it directs the LRB to report back to the Legislature by early 2026 with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to improve access to the legislative process.
Impact
SR35 does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or create enforceable legal obligations; instead, it expresses the Senate’s request for interagency coordination, outreach, and reporting. Its practical effect would be to encourage the LRB and HSPLS to map access gaps, publicize existing library-based participation tools, and potentially develop recommendations for future legislation or administrative improvements. The resolution specifically highlights access for rural communities, neighbor island residents, and individuals with developmental disabilities as affected groups.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the resolution, with the Senate Government Operations Committee passing it 4-0 with amendments on March 27, 2025. The bill’s tone and findings are broadly affirmative, emphasizing civic engagement, fairness, accessibility, and reduced participation costs. No opposing testimony or recorded dissent is provided in the available materials.
Contention
There is little visible controversy in the bill text or voting record. The main policy issue is not whether access matters, but how best to improve it: through libraries, outreach, and coordination with the LRB rather than through direct funding or a mandate to build new telecommunications infrastructure. Any potential concern would likely center on implementation logistics, resource needs, and whether existing library capacity is sufficient to serve underserved communities statewide.
Same As
Requesting The Comptroller To Cooperate With The Hawaii State Public Library System, Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, And Hawaii Broadband And Digital Equity Office To Identify Rural And Underserved Communities In The State With A Need For Better Telecommunication Access For Residents To Participate In The State Legislative Process.