Hawaii Gov. Ige Objects to Broadband, Telehealth Bills

Hawaii Gov. David Ige (R) plans to partly veto a bill passed by the legislature to require the University of Hawaii and state broadband office to convene a working group to determine governance for operating, maintaining and overseeing broadband assets, the governor’s office said Monday. SB-2076 appeared on a list of 30 bills that Ige intends to veto, though he has until July 12 to make final decisions. SB-2076, which also would appropriate funds for three full-time positions for the broadband office and the university’s broadband effort, is one of two bills “being considered for line-item vetoes of specific appropriations, including the over-appropriation of federal funds,” said the governor’s office: Hawaii “must operate within the federal Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements contained in the American Rescue Plan Act.” Also, Ige plans to veto HB-1980, which would permit but not require Medicaid, health insurers and others to cover telephonic behavioral health services. “While the intent of this bill is appreciated, its wording is vague and may allow insurance providers to restrict access to telephonic services,” the governor’s office said. “This could especially impact patients in rural and underserved areas, those with limited digital skills, or those with limited access to reliable internet service.”