HONOLULU (KHON2) — Residents on Hawaiian Home Lands are urged to switch their phone and internet providers before they face a loss of service.
According to the DHHL, Sandwich Isles Communications, a private company, currently provides phone and internet service for residents.
In an email sent on May 30, the company announced that it would end its service for up to 1,500 customers on June 1, affecting numerous households around the state including those who live in remote communities.
“Reliable phone and internet service is a lifeline for our communities. It is unacceptable that Sandwich Isles Communications is planning to disconnect the services that its customers depend on with so little notice. We strongly urge Sandwich Isles Communications to transition Hawaiian Home Lands lessees to alternate service providers in an orderly and responsible process,” explained Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke.
Officials said the sudden announcement violates SIC’s contract with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, “which requires them to provide reliable service.”
The DHHL revealed the SIC is also required “to continue phone and internet service unless it gives regulators at the FCC and the Hawaii PUC advance notice that it is unable to do so.”
SIC has had multiple opportunities to work with DHHL and alternate service providers to keep services on for its customers. Unfortunately, SIC has chosen its current course of action instead. DHHL is working to ensure minimal disruption to affected beneficiaries. SIC is facing foreclosure by the federal government due to nonpayment of a major loan.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in a news release
The DHHL strongly urges residents to switch to another service provider immediately from Hawaiian Telcom, Spectrum, or a satellite provider such as Starlink or Dish.
For additional resources or more updates, visit the department’s Broadband Program website.