Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission grants Spectrum a statewide right‑of‑entry with new conditions to protect beneficiary choice
Summary
After staff sought a statewide non‑exclusive right‑of‑entry for Spectrum to do broadband due diligence and installation on Hawaiian home lands, the commission approved the ROE with a new condition: site exhibits must show how installations preserve beneficiaries’ provider choice and must be approved by the land management division.
The Hawaiian Homes Commission approved a statewide non‑exclusive right‑of‑entry for Spectrum on March 16, allowing the carrier to perform due diligence and seek installations on DHHL parcels across the islands, with added safeguards to protect beneficiary choice.
Frank Hall and Andrew Sante of the land management division urged approval to allow Spectrum to expand service options for beneficiaries and to support competition in areas where only one broadband provider exists. Broadband coordinator Jiren noted the department’s interest in increasing choice and resilience; he said multiple providers reduce outage risk.
Commissioners pressed staff for a clear map of proposed sites, a timetable for Spectrum’s next steps and a requirement that beneficiaries retain real choice of providers. The commission recessed to executive session to consult with counsel about legal issues, then reconvened with an amended motion requiring that: (a) properties to be accessed under the ROE be identified by exhibit and approved by the land management division; and (b) prior to approval of an exhibit, Spectrum must submit a written justification demonstrating that the proposed access or installation will provide beneficiaries with equal opportunity of provider choice. The amended motion passed.
Commissioners said the amendment was intended to avoid a de‑facto exclusive provider arrangement and to ensure DHHL preserves beneficiary options while enabling competition to lower rates. Testimony from homesteaders noted varied local experience: Spectrum (and predecessors) are already present in some homesteads but do not uniformly serve all neighborhoods. One homesteader said pricing differences can be meaningful and urged guardrails to ensure affordable options for residents.
What’s next: Land Management will require exhibits showing targeted locations for installation and will review Spectrum’s written justifications before site approvals. The ROE allows Spectrum to conduct its due diligence work and, if conditions are met, to expand installations in the identified areas.
