 We're going to find out about state scoop today, Bert Lum. I'm Jay Fidel. This is Community Matters, and that's Bert Lum. He's the Chief Strategy Officer for Broadband here in Hawai'ine. Welcome to the show, Bert. Hey, thanks, Jay. It was fun to be on the text. We'd like to keep you in joy and laughter even in these very difficult times. So Bert, what is it like these days, being the Chief Strategy Officer on Broadband? I mean, after all, Broadband is more important in the time of COVID, and it's more important going forward. There's so much technology on the web that you want to share that with everybody. You don't want a digital divide, and you're the man. Well, there's a lot of us involved with this effort. So I think it's a collaborative team effort. The recognition, and Jay, you've been involved with the tech community for as long as I have, and I think the pandemic made everybody realize that if we're going to be competitive in the digital economy, we need to make sure that we do something about that. And up until the pandemic, everybody pretty much thought, well, the private sector, they got it. They're running connections to homes. And if you got your connection, you're good. So let the guys that don't have it worry about it. And then when everybody was, you know, the executive order came out to shelter at home or stay at home order, everybody realized, well, OK, so if only some of us have it, and now we're having to stay at home, what about the folks that don't have it at home? And then that became a real clear indicator of this digital divide. And what also became more, I think, recognized the fact that there's a whole digital equity gap. And when I talk about digital equity, I'm not talking about just getting a broadband connection. I'm talking about, do you have a computer? Do you even know how to leverage the technology that is available in terms of digital literacy? And so there's a whole wraparound requirement, I guess, to really take advantage of the technology. And I sometimes refer to it as the democratization of technology. And if we, as a community, only make it available to people who could afford it or have the means to understand it, then we're only perpetuating that divide. So I think we've come to that realization. And what has been really supportive of this effort is the fact that the federal government also came to this realization. And the federal government is the one that is putting some money where their mouth is. And again, a lot of this interest, this effort, this attention is because the federal government has risen to the occasion and is making something happen. So I'm really glad you addressed the question of the computers, because broadband alone is not enough. You can't live on rent alone, what is it? Anyway, something might work. And yes, the government has provided, I guess they provided some funding for broadband development, and that's your wheelhouse. And have they also provided funding for computer development? What did Herbert Hover say, a computer in every bread box? What words to that effect? Do we have money for computers? It's really important. Well, that's a good question. And sorry, I can't quote Hoover, because that was a little before my time. But in terms of computers, there are a number of federal programs that have made computers available to the Department of Education. So even back when there was the CARES money, the CARES money provided devices as well as hotspots. And then there came along another program out of the, I think it was Consolidated Appropriations Act called the Emergency Connectivity Fund. And the Emergency Connectivity Fund has been available for the DOE as well as the libraries. And that is primarily for devices and hotspots. Now, if you are, let's say, not able to afford a computer, there's a couple of workarounds. If you're not in a DOE or you're not a student on the receiving end of some of the devices that they're handing out, what we've done is we've supported some of the refurbishing houses here. And one of them is Hawaii Hope. And Hawaii Hope, even before the pandemic, was really active in looking for corporate donations of computers. And once they would get those donations, they would basically bring it up to operating condition. And they were already in operating condition, but this was to basically wipe the drives and perhaps maybe put a new drive in there and put a functioning camera. And so the folks at Hawaii Hope would make these refurbished computers available. So what we did in DBID was to look at putting together a pilot program where we set aside some money that would provide about $150 per computer. And we had some folks that were actually in the field doing digital literacy classes. So for Kupuna, we have folks like Carla Souza. He was doing some digital literacy classes with the libraries and Kelly Wissie, who was part of the School of Medicine. She was doing classes on telehealth 101. And oftentimes they would go to class and the students in the class would say, oh, yeah, this is great, but I don't really have a computer at home. And so the free computer would enable them to at least take something home. So the hardware that we would do, we would work with folks like Carla and Kelly and see how many students in the class needed a computer. And we would make those computers available. And that way they could at least take the computer home. And then in combination with that, there's something called the, this is back last year, there was the Emergency Broadband Benefit. And this was a program that was rolled out by the Federal Communications Commission. And they provided like a $50 benefit off of your internet bill. So even if you didn't have an internet connection, you could then now, if you qualify, go get an internet connection and get $50 off. So that was a good way of combining a hardware solution with a benefit for getting internet connected. And then the EBB was limited, I think, by Congress to, I think, it was $2.3 billion across the country. And that ended on December 30th of 2021. But then that immediately transitioned to something called the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was a $30 off. And so it was a little less, but it was transitioned over. And then the ACP, Affordable Connectivity Program, has an appropriation from Congress about $14.2 billion. So that one actually will last probably over the next three to four to five years. And so what we're keeping a close track of is, OK, so as that progresses through time, what is the FCC looking at in terms of replacing the ACP? And I think the FCC put out a request for comments on how to consider revising something called Lifeline or universal service. So there's a universal service fund. It's kind of an old fund that was created back in the 19th. What is universal service for? Well, so back when we used to do long distance calling, there was a fund that was created that would take a small percentage off of the long distance calling. And that went into something called the universal service fund. And that became a fund that could be used for programs that would support things like Lifeline. And Lifeline was a program to enable low income families to actually get a heavy discount on their telephone service. So it's primarily around the telephone service. But that was back in the 90s, right? And lots have changed since then. And if you look at how we do calling now, it's less about long distance. It's more about your minutes, and you have smartphones, and a lot of it is going over the IP network. So the whole structure of the universal service fund is going to be revamped. So there was a call for comments. And we were able to put in some comments for representing some of the feedback that we got here locally from the community. So again, we're following a lot of these programs and making sure that there's some sustainability and continuity as we move further into the 20th. Well, you certainly got to pay attention to that because there are so many of them. And I'm glad you're there trying to coordinate them and make sure that we get what we're entitled to get into these various programs. But various is the word. And there's this, that, and the other thing. And you must be like a paper hanger trying to track them all and bring them all to the public. But I wonder about whether you can handle that. It's not easy. And I wonder, the libraries are important, but I wonder about the 12-year-old out in, say, Wynnei, who understands at some level that he's on the wrong side of the digital divide, then he knows he can learn a lot, but he doesn't have a way to learn it, he doesn't have a computer. It's like you need a computer to learn about how you can get a computer, you know? So how does he get that? I mean, how easy or hard is it? Is there, you know, do you have a phone bank of people who will help him? Do you have a way that he can achieve this? Yeah, there's a combination of solutions to address that exact scenario that you just brought up. So one of the things that I mentioned, I mentioned the emergency connectivity fund and that fund devices. So the Department of Education has a fair amount of devices and there was a couple of articles written about the money that the DOE got. And so they're in the process of rolling, you know, the program out, getting hardware to the schools via the principles and then the principles identify, you know, the individual students that would be receiving those. And then in combination with that, you have the folks in the curriculum side. And there was a couple of bills. One bill, I think it was last year or the year before, it was to establish computer science and education. So there is a conscientious effort on the part of the DOE to implement curriculum for students K through 12 to learn about computer science. And we've been in touch with many of those folks about the intersection between computer science and digital literacy. So you have the curriculum, you have the hardware. And then the other thing that we are making sure of is that as these kids go home and have a device, they're able to connect to something. And so that's the effort that combines, you know, all three, which is the idea of broadband access, hardware and devices, as well as digital literacy. So the challenge is, you know, these are all programs that have been identified as means by which we can establish this digital equity. But it's coordinating all of those so that, you know, we can get the, you know, the access and the devices and the, you know, literacy classes all to coincide. And that is also a challenge too, right? Because you've got the pricing issue. It needs an organizational structure. And frankly, it needs the state money to tap into existing organizations like DOE and have people, you know, dedicated to working on this. And so my next question to you is the state funding, the things you're talking about, you know, the COVID monies from the Fed, but what about the state? The state has, you know, it's apparently lush these days, flush, how much are you getting from that? I haven't really got much of that lushness. So I'm still working on that. We'll see what happens as it comes out of this legislative session. The broadband digital equity office was established in statute in the 2021 session, but there was no budget attached to that. So, you know, I am making it a strong message that, you know, we would need some money to achieve some of the projects that we are undertaking. And in this legislative session, there have been, you know, legislators and legislative support in the formal policy to get an appropriation for the broadband digital equity office. So there's a key bill that's moving. It was introduced by Senator Lankai. These are policy bills, not money bills though. Well, no, these are bills that have appropriations attached to them. Oh, good. So SB 2076, that's a bill that helped to put some appropriation into the broadband digital equity office. And so that one is moving, and it needs to have one last hearing. It went over, it crossed over, went into the House and now it's just waiting for a scheduling with the finance committee. Another bill that, you know, I think has some potential of getting some money assigned to it is, it started off as a bill, but it didn't pass because there was no appropriation. This was to establish some data gathering and mapping capability. And so the bill basically died, but then it was kind of in a way resurrected through a resolution. And so there's a resolution, it's a FCR, you know, Senate concurrent resolution 41. And that one, you know, moved out of the Senate, it's going over to the House. It's resolutions don't have the power and the force of law appropriation. Yeah, they don't have any money, so. But the introducers, and this was introduced by Senator Ju Kanuha, they recognize that, you know, this can't be done without any money. So, you know, I think I'll leave it to the magicians to figure out how they put some money into the budget for this, but that's going to need some money. You know what they say? I mean, a state that has adequate, cheap energy is going to have a better economy. And you know what they also say is a state that has adequate, cheap broadband is going to have a better chance at being a tech state. That is a state with a tech sector. I'm sure you will agree with both of those points. So you and I have been following the, what do you want to call it, the possibility of the development of a robot tech sector for 20 years. And I just wonder how you feel, you know, how you feel about the current status and the progress will lack thereof, you know, at the moment, because everybody talks about, as they always have, diversification of the economy. And the first words that everybody's mouth when they use the D word is, oh, we have to diversify into the technology sector, like everyone else in the country. How are we doing, Bert? Well, you know, I try to remain an optimist. You know, I think like you having spent in the last 20, 30 years observing this progress. You know, there's a lot more folks that are in the tech sector. I think that's a positive thing. Your point about energy. I think that, you know, if we could leverage some of our renewable energies, I think geothermal on the Big Island has a great, great opportunity and potential. You know, I'm actually pleasantly surprised by the involvement that my counterparts on the Big Island in the county have been in terms of support for broadband as well as energy, alternative energy resources. And I think there's potential for something to happen. And I think the Big Island will be an example of what could be, let's say, an example of what the rest of Hawaii could do. But again, you know- But don't forget Kauai. You can take a- Kauai is a wonderful example too, yeah. Yeah, yeah. And, you know, there is a great opportunity, but, you know, these things, as you also well know, takes a long time. It's like, sort of, move a mountain. Yeah, well, that brings me to my last point of inquiry with you, Bert. It's the title of our show, State Scoop Top 50 Awards. So, Keska say a Scoop Award, and what is the Top 50 Scoop Awards? And why should we here in Hawaii care about State Scoop Top 50 Awards? Well, you know, Jay, I hope you will share the link. I dropped it in the chat. You know, this is the first time that I've ever been nominated for an award. And there's a lot of folks that are on this list, but there's a couple of things that I want to bring attention to. One is as an individual, you know, I'm nominated as an innovator. And then the other thing that's also, I think a key recognition is for something that we've done over the past two years called the broadband hui. And the broadband hui is a representation of key stakeholders in Hawaii that have a strong interest in broadband and digital equity. And we're both on this list. And of course, this is an open list for voting of the public. And so anybody who has a list or has a link can go in and vote. I would encourage everybody to vote. This is a national election. Okay, all you guys watching this now or later, vote for Bert Lund. There's no question how hard he works and for how long he works and his vision for Hawaii. This is no question. He should be elected. Everybody vote as many times as, no, just vote once. Well, they can vote as many times as he wants, but I appreciate that, Jay, because again, you know, we've done this and we've done this just on our own. And I think there's other national organizations that are recognizing what we have done in Hawaii to pull people together and to collaborate, to try to see if we can move the ship collectively. And I think we've been able to move it a little bit. And I think there's a lot more work to be done, but I'm committed to seeing us through all the turbulent waters that we're currently maneuvering and navigating through. And that's the truth. So let's assume everybody watching or who will watch votes for Bert Lund, what happens to you? Do you get to go to the Nobel Prize? What happens? Yeah, I don't know. I'm not really keen on going anywhere. I mean, if they send me a plaque, that's fine. I'll put it up somewhere, but I think it's just the fact that an effort that could be done in Hawaii would get recognized. And if we can put Kauai on the map, I mean, we're on the map, but we're not really on the map from a digital economy standpoint. We're not on the map for a tech sector that's equal to some of our bigger industries in Hawaii. If we can help the next generation achieve those kinds of goals, I think we've done good for the effort that we've committed ourselves to. And Jay and you and I, we've been pushing this message for, I don't know how long, but I think I do feel positive that there are more people in the sector. There's more young innovators, just entrepreneurs, and there's ideas that are being percolated. And if we can, again, close the digital divide, help to achieve digital equity across the entire population and give everybody the opportunity to rise to their potential and their capabilities, I think we've done good and make sure that Hawaii stays connected, trans specific fiber cables coming into Hawaii. We gotta make those happen. So a lot of the money that's gonna be flowing through Hawaii by the feds are gonna go towards some of this sort of strategic infrastructure, but we are not forgetting all the connectivity that's also required in our rural community. So it's everything from getting the fat pipes into Hawaii, but distributing that throughout the entire, by Aina, I mean, it's for everybody. So that's our goal, that's our target, and I'm committed to making that happen. Yeah, I know you've been working on it really most of your adult life, I think, and so hard and so well. So I think what's interesting is that, let me go back to my 12 year old, okay? Without, if he's on the wrong side of the digital divide, if the digital divide continues, he's not gonna be Bill Gates, but if he has the chance, and if he has access, broadband and a computer, that will be in our baseline computer to help him learn and do in the world of computing, then gee whiz, he could be a programmer, he could be part of that sector that we are all hoping for. He could be a Bill Gates, he could be an entrepreneur, he could participate in the branding that you're talking about. Branding Hawaii as a legitimate tech community, with kids who learn it in school, with entrepreneurs who find money and make companies. And these days, actually, with broadband, you can participate in communities that go beyond our shores. You and I both know so many people who participate in tech communities around the world, and I'm not limiting that to the United States either. I hope you're sitting down, but one of the software companies that ThinkTech deals with is in Keev. Keev, I say Keev, because it's completely global. And so that kid, that 12-year-old could be involved in a global movement, he could, you say put Hawaii on the map, but make Hawaii a big player on the map. There's no reason why we can't do that. And frankly, you've been advocating for that actively for 20 years and more, and you should get the damn award. Okay, I'm going on that website right now, Bert, and I'm gonna vote for you. You got my vote. Well, Jay, I really appreciate that. And you should stay long enough into this field, and you see things like Web 1, Web 2, now we're into Web 3. The kids are gonna come up with the new ideas and the new innovations, and as long as we can enable them to discover new things and create new companies and new applications, and figure out what Web 3 is all about, and if we can give the tools that build that, allow them to have that foundation, I think that's what we need to do. And that's, I'm feeling like there's already stuff out there like esports way beyond me, but I think there's gonna be a lot of kids growing up in Hawaii that can really take advantage of that. And we just gotta make sure that the foundation is there for them. Yes, indeed. But let me add, it's very provocative what you just said. There's nothing so constant as change itself. And it's not a matter of putting a computer or a broadband format on that 12-year-old's desk. You have to keep up. You have to know what the frontier is. You have to explore and discover the frontier. You have to wrap your arms around the frontier and you have to deliver that to him too. There's nothing so constant as change. And so you and we and everyone, we have to keep up with every development in the world so that we're right there at the frontier. Don't you agree? Absolutely, it's a him and a her. I want them all to be able to strive for what drives their passion. What we have to do, I guess the older generation, we have to make sure that we provide the leadership, the example, the positive feedback that indicates to the young folks that, hey, this is an opportunity that I think we should take on and give them a bit of a roadmap in getting there. And we may not be the experts on blockchain and cryptocurrencies and things like the metaverse, but if we can show them that this is the great new frontier and we've enabled them with the foundation to achieve that, I think we've helped to, I think build a more diverse Hawaii and hopefully eliminate the digital divide. Yeah, we can't afford to lose our best and brightest. We have to keep them here and that's one big way to do that. Bert Lam, a technology guru, the leader of ByteMark Cafe on Wednesdays on Hawaii Public Radio for many years now and the strategy chief strategist for broadband in Hawaii and the soon to be a state scoop top 50 award winner.