David Y. Ige

Contact: Kaniela Ing 808-586-8525

[email protected]

Media Contact: James Gonser 808-587-7242
[email protected]

REP. KANIELA ING TO PROPOSE BILL TO ENSURE NET NEUTRALITY
Lawmaker says FCC’s ruling a disgrace to free speech

Honolulu, Hawaii – State Representative Kaniela Saito Ing will propose legislation to explore the feasibility of public or community-owned, high-speed broadband in Hawaii. While lawmakers from other states are taking action to reverse the FCC’s recent repeal of net neutrality, this is the first positive proposal that will not likely face federal preemption.

“The FCC’s ruling to end the Obama-era policy of net neutrality is a disgrace to free speech in our modern world. It is about more than just slower Netflix and a pricier Facebook. When monopolistic corporations control the internet, they control our ability to speak out against them and organize a resistance,” said Ing (Kihei, Wailea, Makena).

“However, Democrats currently do not have the votes in the current GOP Congress to reverse yet another backward policy by the Trump Administration. This means states like Hawaii must act now.”

Ing said that some cities, such as Chattanooga, have already shown community-owned high-speed internet attracts new technology businesses and provides citizens with the some of the nation’s fastest, most-reliable internet at affordable rates.

“Just like roadways and electricity, we know that community-owned and operated internet is the only way to ensure net neutrality for years to come. This is the future.”

Ing will be available for comment from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday, December 18 at the Hawaii State Capitol.

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James Gonser
Assistant Director of Communications
Hawaii House of Representatives – Majority
Office: 808-587-7242
[email protected]