The state says it has rolled out the first wave of more than 1,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots offering one hour of free service throughout Hawaii as a result of a deal with Spectrum.
The state-designated hot spots are the result of a court order approving the transfer of what was then Oceanic Time Warner Cable, now Spectrum, to Charter Communications.
They are now active, or in the works, on Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu.
“In recognition of the importance of public internet access for Hawaii residents, we have made it a priority to expand connectivity across the state — especially into our rural and underserved communities,” said Gov. David Ige in a news release. “It is our hope that this initiative will improve the quality of life for our residents and the general public.”
One hour of free Wi-Fi service will be offered per device, per day from these hot spots.
Spectrum agreed to provide at least 1,000 new, public Wi-Fi hot spots in its cable franchise areas throughout the state within four years of the May 2016 transaction. At least 100 of those hot spots must be in public parks, civic centers, community centers and other public gathering places.
To date, 44 of the 100 DCCA hot spots in public areas have been designated, with more planned for Hawaii island.
The currently designated locations include:
>> Numerous bus stops around Kauai, including ones near the Garden Island Inn, Koloa Post Office and Wilcox Hospital.
>> Business and community gathering places in Hana and Wailuku on Maui, including near Hana General Store.
>> Hard-to-serve public areas in Kalaupapa on Molokai. Additional hot spots are coming to Kaunakakai by this fall.
>> Shared courtyards of the buildings housing the state Department of Taxation and state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on Punchbowl Street on Oahu will be in place by fall.
A list of available hot spots is at bit.ly/2uykE0r.
