Hawaii is in some ways a first world economy with a third world infrastructure outside the largest cities, of which there are few besides Honolulu and it’s satellites on Oahu. Hilo, and Kailua on the Big Island are the largest on the “neighbor Isles” but each less than 50K. Once away from Oahu, most of the state is rural or small towns, with resorts scattered around areas with beaches.
In addition to connectivity bottlenecks for online access, there’s large swaths of the state that get their water from roof catchment, and lack city services of various kinds such as sewers and gas lines. Which creates opportunities that support the idea of community schools being places of not just learning, but also social services of all kinds. It’s good for kids to have a place to go for learning and access, as well as food, healthcare, even shelter, But it’s harder to do that during a pandemic.
Kuauli Digital Opportunities Initiative Radio Show Audio
Hawaiian Hope does refurb and redistribution of computers, similar to programs ongoing in El Paso TX that PSA reported on in past posts some years ago now. Usually the need far outstrips the supply. OTOH, it’s way better than nothing.
Some form of ubiquitous computer/ mobil access is required during pandemic LFH for every student that needs it. LCPS here has a lending program which has been tailored to meet current needs, but actual stats of how many students are still left out of affordable access are hard to come by.
[gview file=”https://publicservicesalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Big-Island-Initiative-Seeks-To-Bridge-Student-Digital-Divide-Hawaii-Public-Radio.pdf”]