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Senators probe plan to use state facilities, libraries for remote testimony; questions about staffing and prioritization
Summary
Senate Bill 870 would have the Comptroller identify state buildings that can provide equitable telecommunications access for residents to participate remotely in legislative hearings.
Senate Bill 870 would direct the Comptroller to identify state office buildings that can provide equitable telecommunications access so residents, including people with disabilities, can participate remotely in legislative hearings. The committee heard written support from several organizations and in‑person comments from Keith Regan, Comptroller for the Department of Accounting and General Services.
Regan told the committee DAGS stands on its written testimony and offered that many libraries already provide infrastructure that could be used for remote participation, but he and senators raised practical questions about capacity and staffing. A committee member noted that libraries may have the necessary bandwidth and equipment but that patrons sometimes occupy computer stations or sign up for limited time; without dedicated space or prioritization, the facilities might not reliably serve remote testifiers.
“Rather I’m just thinking about DAGS and DAGS managed buildings that we have out there… The libraries are probably… designed to allow for people to be able to come in and use their services,” Regan said, describing a potential role for existing community facilities. Senators asked whether the bill could be amended to include county facilities and suggested partnerships with the university system and county offices to expand access on neighbor islands.
Committee members expressed concern about who would provide on‑site technical support in non‑DAGS locations; Regan cautioned that DAGS staff stationed in some state buildings are not IT specialists. Senators proposed amendments to require that identified facilities make space available for remote testimony or to create formal partnerships with counties and the University of Hawaii.
No final action was taken; the committee deferred decision making to the next hearing on Jan. 30, 2025 and asked staff to pursue draft amendments that clarify whether the bill should require partnership agreements, prioritization of testimony over general public computer use, and technical support expectations.
