Hawaiian Telcom Partners with Government Leaders to Announce Landmark $1.7 Billion Investment to Transform Hawai‘i into the First Fully Fiber-Enabled State by 2026

Nathan Hokama, Hawaiian Telcom
(808) 226-7470
nathan.hokama@hawaiiantel.com

Hawaiian Telcom, in collaboration with federal, state, and county leaders, announced a historic initiative to position Hawai‘i as the first fully-fiber enabled state in the nation by 2026. This transformative $1.7 billion investment aims to meet the rapidly evolving technology needs of families and businesses across the state, ensuring Hawai?i remains at the forefront of broadband innovation.

Having initiated its fiber expansion over a decade ago, Hawaiian Telcom is nearing completion. By the end of 2026, the company will deliver Hawai?i’s only 100% fiber network statewide, bringing state-of-the-art fiber connectivity directly into homes and businesses, including underserved rural communities. This public-private partnership includes about $107 million in federal and state funding from various broadband infrastructure programs.

“At Hawaiian Telcom, we’re proud to put Hawai?i on the map as a pioneer in fiber broadband connectivity,” said Su Shin, Hawaiian Telcom president. “This investment is an exciting new chapter in our 140 year-history, and it enables us to transform not just our company but the entire state. We thank our federal, state, and county partners for their support in realizing our shared vision for Hawai?i’s future.”

“We are incredibly proud of Hawaiian Telcom’s commitment to elevate Hawai?i as a leader in broadband connectivity with the goal of being the first state in the nation to be fully fiber-enabled,“ said Governor Josh Green, MD. “This is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and a clear demonstration of how we can create lasting value for our community by working together.”

Hawaiian Telcom currently operates a market-leading fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network, offering the state’s fastest internet speeds of up to 3 Gigabits per second (Gbps) symmetrical (both upload and download). This network already reaches over 400,000 homes and businesses, representing 60% of the state, with plans to connect the remaining 40% by the end of 2026.

Recent expansions include the completion of fiber connections on L?na?i and Moloka?i in 2023. Kaua?i is expected to be completed in February, and Maui is expected to be fully connected by the end of this year. O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island will follow by late 2026.

“Enhancing Hawai‘i’s fiber network requires all of us working together, from businesses, nonprofits, community partners, and federal support,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “Hawaiian Telcom’s goal of expanding fiber access across our state aligns with the commitment of Connect K?kou to deliver high-speed internet to every community in Hawai‘i. These efforts bring us closer to a future where everyone has the reliable internet they need to not just stay connected, but to thrive.”

Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation also supports the initiative.

“This new plan reflects the work we’ve done to deliver record federal investments in broadband infrastructure for Hawaii,” said U.S Sen. Brian Schatz. “That means more residents and businesses will be able to access high-speed internet, better connect with each other, and discover more opportunities to improve their lives and support Hawai‘i’s economy.”

“Access to broadband is essential and every household and business across our islands deserves access to this resource,” said U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono. “This investment takes a step toward achieving Hawaii’s goal of becoming the first fully fiber-enabled state in the country, and I will continue working with our state and local partners to help ensure that everyone, especially our small businesses and underserved communities, receives equitable broadband access.”

“An investment in broadband access is an investment in the people of Hawai‘i,” said Congressman Ed Case (HI-01). “If we can improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities and lift Hawai‘i’s people to a new place, this will be a great example of the federal government partnering with state and private resources toward a shared goal.”

“Access to broadband and the internet is a fundamental right. With so much of our lives dependent on digital connections—from school, to work, even healthcare, no one should be denied the ability to connect to the internet,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “This significant investment to expand our fiber network statewide will give Hawai?i residents the ability to thrive and succeed in this digital age.”

“O‘ahu residents deserve government services that are as efficient and accessible as those offered by the private sector,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Our priority is to continuously modernize and improve the services we provide, whether that means delivering real-time traffic updates or easy access to TheBus schedules. Hawaiian Telcom’s commitment to expanding fiber access across O‘ahu and the neighboring islands will empower us to offer innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for all, from keiki to kupuna.”

"Hawaiian Telcom has led vital transformation for broadband access across the state," said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. "On Maui, completion of fiber expansion by the end of the year will help bridge the digital divide by providing reliable internet access for residents, including those in our rural areas. It will also empower our local businesses and economy as we move forward with rebuilding and recovery in our communities affected by the August 2023 wildfires."

“In this day and age, access to online information and services is not just about convenience. It truly is a necessity,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Rural communities should be afforded the same opportunities to digital access as anywhere else in the world. We are incredibly grateful for Hawaiian Telcom’s efforts to improve digital equity across our state as this investment has a huge impact on our residents and our overall community.”

“One of the priorities of our administration is equity and that includes digital equity,” Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “We are grateful that this investment expands fiber connectivity to underserved rural areas and strengthens communities across the island.”

Broadband access is especially crucial for those in low-income communities. “Keiki from schools in the Kalihi-Palama area can gain access to our computers for their school work and become more comfortable with technology,” said Sam Aiona, executive director of Palama Settlement. “We appreciate Hawaiian Telcom’s support of our digital equity programs and the company‘s commitment to enable more underserved communities with fiber to erase the digital divide in our state.”

In closing, Shin emphasized the commitment to bridging the digital divide: “With this initiative, we’re leveling the playing field for every resident in Hawai‘i, enabling all to experience the benefits of reliable internet service. Our focus is on improving quality of life, building resilient infrastructure, and strengthening our local economy.”

About Hawaiian Telcom

Established by King David Kal?kaua in 1883, Hawaiian Telcom, a locally managed legacy company, has served Hawai?i’s telecommunications needs for over 140 years. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiian Telcom delivers communications solutions, including high-speed internet, video, voice, data network solutions and security, managed and cloud services to residential, business and wholesale customers over its statewide future-proof fiber network. Hawaiian Telcom has expanded the possibilities of community connectivity, offering the fastest, most reliable connection available through its resilient, weather-proof fiber network.

Hawaiian Telcom has made a significant investment in the state, from building local infrastructure, including laying new undersea cables across the Pacific to Asia, to making strides in closing the digital divide by expanding its services statewide and supporting local organizations with programs focused on digital equity. Since 2017, between grants and sponsorships, Hawaiian Telcom has given more than $5.5 million to support nonprofits and charitable initiatives across Hawai?i. For more information, visit Hawaiiantel.com.

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