The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) and Ocean Networks Inc. (ONI) announced plans to build a submarine optical fiber cable system, known as the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL), to link the Hawaiian Islands and enhance high-speed broadband internet access across the state.
HIFL will be a carrier-neutral, open-access system with landing sites on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. The system will have 24 fiber pairs with a design life of 25 years and is expected to be ready for service in late 2026. The project is being overseen by the UH System Office for Information Technology with support from the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi.
The $120 million project is a crucial part of the state’s broadband strategy, Connect Kākou, which is a primary focus of Governor Josh Green’s administration. Led by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Connect Kākou is committed to providing reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
“This inter-island cable system will leverage the once-in-a-generation federal investment for technological infrastructure and position our state for long-term economic growth,” said Gov. Green, M.D. “The resulting network will be open to all carriers and sufficiently robust to support all manner of telecommunications carrier and enterprise traffic, including anticipated future high-capacity demands supporting healthcare, education, research, public service, commerce, and government uses.”
ONI is responsible for the supply, construction, operations and maintenance of the inter-island cable system. Partial funding will be provided through a federal grant, and the remaining funds will be secured by ONI through private equity and secured debt. When it goes online, HIFL will be able to process a high volume of data with minimal delay and will be the inter-island backbone of Connect Kākou.
“This is just one part of our plan to guarantee the state’s long-term internet connectivity,” said LG Luke. “Connect Kākou has over $500 million in federal grants, state funds, and private matching funds available as we work towards connecting the unconnected and make sure everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.”
