A detailed map from the 2019 DHHL Moloka’i Regional Plan illustrating the Department of Hawaiian Homelands across the island. Photo courtesy
Michael Gomes, a resident of Moloka’i, expressed the ongoing challenges faced by locals concerning reliable internet access. He stated, “I myself do not have home internet service,” emphasizing the difficulties he faces with connectivity. “I only have what is available on my mobile phone, and I’m able to turn on my hotspot if I need internet on my tablet or laptop. However, the service often becomes spotty and throttled during high-traffic periods, or when I exceed my monthly data limits.”
Gomes represents one of many Moloka’i residents who have grappled with internet accessibility for years.
Earlier this year, Sandwich Isles Communications, the local telecommunications provider for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, discontinued its services, resulting in significant internet deprivation for numerous homesteaders on Moloka’i.
Recalling the disruption, Gomes noted, “That’s when Hawaiian Telcom stepped up some of its services to finally start fixing broken phone lines that have been neglected and hanging from telephone poles or draped over peoples’ properties for years.” He continued, “Slowly but surely internet was coming online, but it isn’t available to everyone on DHHL homesteads. Much of our homesteaders are without internet services due to lack of functional infrastructure. Some of us also have homes and we live off-grid, and definitely no internet service is available. And by chance if it could be available, it’s extremely costly.”
John Puaoi, another Moloka’i resident, highlighted a significant barrier for homesteaders attempting to secure internet access — issues with address recognition. “They often have two addresses — a lot number and a county address — but both are not always recognized when trying to order internet service, which leaves the people without internet,” he explained.
However, hope is on the horizon for Moloka’i residents. This week, the DHHL announced it has received a substantial $72 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.
The grant, combined with an earlier $17 million grant from the NTIA, totals $89 million aimed at bolstering broadband internet access to thousands of underserved households on Hawaiian home lands. This funding will support crucial new telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development programs, and digital equity initiatives specifically for DHHL lessees.
Hawai’i State Senator Lynn DeCoite visited Moloka’i the day following the announcement, where DHHL convened a meeting with lessees to discuss the upcoming changes.
Expressing her support, she stated, “I’m pleased the investment is happening sooner rather than later so that children on the island do not get left behind in the digital divide. This is super important.”
Gomes echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the critical nature of the investment. “In my honest opinion, we definitely need to improve broadband and internet service,” he asserted. “Hopefully, DHHL will utilize the $72 million funds wisely and give more homesteaders the much-needed internet access in the coming months.”
DHHL Director Kali Watson commented on the transformative potential of the TBCP grant. “The TBCP grant will enable DHHL to bring high-speed internet, digital education programs, and new community centers to our homesteads across the pae ʻāina,” he stated in a press release.
He added, “It’s more than just connectivity; it’s about opening doors to opportunity through education, employment, and access to health care and other essential services. Mahalo to our federal partners at NTIA for supporting this vision.”
For more information on broadband service upgrades throughout Hawai’i, visit connectkakou.org.
What are the primary challenges residents of Moloka’i face regarding internet access today?
**Interview with Michael Gomes: Internet Challenges on Moloka’i**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Michael. As a resident of Moloka’i, can you share with us the current state of internet access on the island?
**Michael Gomes**: Thank you for having me. Internet access on Moloka’i has been a significant challenge for many of us. Personally, I don’t have home internet service, so I rely on my mobile phone. I sometimes use my hotspot for my tablet or laptop, but the connection is often unreliable, especially during peak hours.
**Editor**: That sounds frustrating. How has the discontinuation of services by Sandwich Isles Communications impacted the community?
**Michael Gomes**: It had a severe impact. Many residents found themselves suddenly without internet, and it took time for Hawaiian Telcom to step in and repair neglected infrastructure. While they’ve made some progress, it’s still an ongoing struggle for homesteaders.
**Editor**: You mentioned that some residents live off-grid. How does that complicate internet access?
**Michael Gomes**: Living off-grid often means that even if internet services are theoretically available, they might not be practical or too expensive to set up. Many homesteaders just don’t have the necessary infrastructure, which means they’re completely left out.
**Editor**: John Puaoi also mentioned issues with address recognition when ordering internet services. Can you elaborate on that?
**Michael Gomes**: Yes, that’s another significant barrier. Many residents have two addresses — a lot number and a county address — which complicates the ordering process for internet service. If the service provider can’t recognize their address, people are left without options.
**Editor**: It sounds like a complex situation, but you mentioned some hope with the recent $72 million grant for broadband access. How do you think this will affect the community?
**Michael Gomes**: Absolutely, this grant is a game changer. If used effectively, it can help expand internet access and improve the infrastructure that many of us desperately need. This could mean more residents will finally get online and access crucial services.
**Editor**: Thank you, Michael, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We hope the efforts to improve internet access in Moloka’i are successful and bring much-needed connectivity to your community.
**Michael Gomes**: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to highlight these issues.
