Broadband gets a boost in new law signed by Hawaii Governor

Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) signed a bill into law to temporarily exempt the development of broadband infrastructure from state and county permitting requirements.

The law allows for permitting exemptions for five years – from 2012 to 2017 – on broadband upgrades on existing utility poles and conduits used for telecommunications. Telecommunications companies would also be exempt from new utility pole replacement regulations on broadband upgrades. The law is intended to expand access to high-speed Internet service in Hawaii. "This is the first major step, I believe, in making a commitment to broadband expansion and capacity and availability that will literally give us the opportunity to have a future here in Hawaii, most particularly a future for our young people," Gov Abercrombie said.