The Hawaiian Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) is racing to find solutions after Sandwich Isles Communication’s announcement in May that hundreds of its customers would soon be without service.
DHHL and private companies are working diligently to restore phone and internet access, particularly in remote areas across the state. State senators representing many of these rural districts sought answers from DHHL regarding the steps being taken to address this potentially life-threatening issue.
Currently, three Hawaiian Homeland sites remain without reliable phone and internet service, or have only intermittent access at best, following Sandwich Isle Communication’s decision to discontinue service.
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, DHHL expressed hope in securing a $75 million federal grant to fund crucial infrastructure upgrades.
Jaren Tengan, DHHL’s Broadband Coordinator, shared a chilling example of the consequences of the service outage. “The federal funds allocated to these regions were specifically intended for emergency situations. When we visited these areas to distribute hot spots, one resident with a pacemaker told us their device uses the landline to connect with a hospital on the East Coast. They couldn’t reach the hospital, and the hospital was extremely concerned, believing the patient might have died,” Tengan explained.
Tengan indicated that DHHL anticipates receiving federal funding later this year.
DHHL has been actively collaborating with the state, the Federal Reserve Board, and other private providers. In the meantime, DHHL and private companies have provided temporary hot spots to some affected areas as a stopgap measure.
Interview with Jaren Tengan, Broadband Coordinator at the Department of Hawaiian Homelands
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jaren. The recent service discontinuation by Sandwich Isles Communications has left many in remote areas of Hawaii without reliable phone and internet access. Can you provide us with an overview of the current situation?
Jaren Tengan: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. As you mentioned, after Sandwich Isles Communications announced it would discontinue service, three Hawaiian Homeland sites were left without consistent phone and internet connectivity. We’re working diligently to restore these essential services because they are vital for both everyday communication and emergency situations.
Time.news Editor: What steps is the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) taking to resolve this issue?
Jaren Tengan: We are actively collaborating with the state government, the Federal Reserve Board, and several private providers to find solutions. We’ve also explored securing a $75 million federal grant to fund the necessary infrastructure upgrades. In the interim, we’ve provided temporary hot spots to some of the most affected areas to offer a stopgap measure while we work on long-term solutions.
Time.news Editor: There have been alarming stories regarding the impacts of this service disruption. Could you share an example that illustrates the gravity of the situation?
Jaren Tengan: Certainly. One of the most chilling examples comes from a recent visit we made to distribute hot spots. We encountered a resident who relies on a pacemaker, which connects to a hospital on the East Coast via landline. Because of the service outage, they were unable to reach the hospital for critical health communication. This situation could have resulted in a dire outcome, as the hospital was genuinely concerned for the patient’s well-being.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical reminder of how essential connectivity is for health and safety. What are your expectations regarding the federal funding?
Jaren Tengan: We are optimistic about receiving the federal funds later this year, which will significantly enhance our ability to rebuild and improve the infrastructure in these underserved areas. This funding is essential, especially because it was originally intended for emergency situations.
Time.news Editor: Can you expand on how DHHL is working with private companies to address these connectivity challenges?
Jaren Tengan: Yes, the collaboration with private companies is crucial. We’re reaching out to various telecommunications providers to explore options for broadening our immediate coverage and restoring reliable services. Their expertise and resources can help expedite restoring connectivity to the affected areas.
Time.news Editor: what practical advice can you offer our readers who may be affected by these outages or looking for alternative solutions?
Jaren Tengan: For those affected by the outages, I advise staying connected with local community leaders who may relay information on temporary solutions like hot spots. Additionally, keeping an emergency plan in place, including alternative means of communication such as satellite phones or radio, can be incredibly beneficial. It’s essential to stay informed about ongoing efforts by DHHL and other agencies working to restore these critical services.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights, Jaren. We appreciate your time and the important work being done by DHHL to ensure connectivity for Hawaiian communities.
Jaren Tengan: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we all continue to advocate for improved communication services, as they are vital for health, safety, and overall quality of life in our communities.