NEWS BEAT U.S. Treasury Allocates $115M for Improved Broadband Infrastructure in Hawaiʻi UH’s ʻApakau ka lāʼ Initiative is part of $10B Capital Projects Fund
enhancing connectivity and digital literacy at Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority locations. UH President
ing to build more attainable hous- ing for Hawai‘i families,” said Jason Fujimoto, HPM president and CEO, in a release. “We saw the potential to combine our strengths, create new, innovative solutions for our commu- nity, and provide an even more seam- less, one-stop shop for customers at every price point.” Two showrooms in the Na Lama Kuku‘i Lifestyle and Design Center on Oahu now feature 87ZERO by HPM’s product lines, including Italian-crafted SmartCucina cabinetry and global kitchen brand Ernestomeda, as well as premium appliances from Bosch, Gaggenau, Miele and Thermador. 87ZERO’s 15 staff members are now part of HPM’s more than 500 owner-employees located in Hawai‘i. — Brett Alexander-Estes infrastructure so critical today to work, education, healthcare and economic vitality for our entire state.” The funding will fortify Hawai‘i aging broadband infrastructure, meet- ing rising demand for internet access, according to UH Vice President of Information Technology and CIO, Garret Yoshimi. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke emphasized the necessity of high-quality, reliable inter- net service, pointing out its critical role in multiple areas. “From telehealth to distance learn- ing, remote work and e-commerce, so many of us are reliant upon high- quality, reliable internet service,” Luke said. “Connectivity is no longer a modern-day convenience but instru- mental in our daily lives, and we must secure internet access for all.” The planned subsea cable system is set to include landing sites for addi- tional broadband fiber connections on Hawai‘i island, Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. — Jason Genegabus
The University of Hawai‘i is work- ing with the United States Treasury to allocate approximately $115 million for the enhancement and extension of high- speed broadband in Hawai‘i. UH’s ‘Apakau ka lā’ Initiative (“Spreading of the Sun’s Rays”) is working to raise $400 million in federal grants and matching funds to ensure long-term connectivity across The $115 million follows a $5.7 million allocation in 2022 to begin project planning. The initiative's primary goal is to bolster capacity and reliability of broadband pipelines the state as part of a $10 billion national Capital Projects Fund. across the state, as well as extend- ing access to areas currently without broadband. The majority of the funds will support a new undersea cable system to link the Hawaiian Islands, with nearly $8 million earmarked for
David Lassner noted the institution's history of leading broadband connec-
tivity in Hawai‘i, from initiating the state's first inter- net connections to pioneering fiber optic connectivity across public schools, libraries and higher education sites. “UH has led in bringing broadband connectivity in Hawai‘i for decades,” Lassner said in a release. “From bring- ing the very first internet connections to Hawai‘i, to making Hawai‘i the first in the nation with fiber optic connectiv- ity to every one of our public schools, public libraries and public higher education sites … we are incredibly proud to now be the only institution of higher education to lead these vital next steps of developing the broadband David Lassner
HPM Acquires 87ZERO, Expands Product Lineup New partnership will benefit both large-scale projects and smaller contractors HPM Building Supply announced in April its acquisition of 87ZERO, a Honolulu-based supplier. The company, which provides global sourcing and manufacturing of interior products, is now known as 87ZERO by HPM and will supply large-scale projects by Hawai‘i devel- opers, hoteliers and contractors. “87ZERO and HPM first connected through our shared passion for help-
87ZERObyHPM, a new division at HPM Building Supply, offers high-end cabinetry, architectural ele- ments and appliances for Hawaii builders, commercial clients and homeowners. PHOTO COURTESY HPM BUILDING SUPPLY
98 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2023
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