The pandemic accelerated the state’s advancement to the digital economy by forcing organizations to use computers and work remotely.
With the sudden change, the state of Hawaiʻi plans to make technology, both computers and internet access, more widely available to build a strong digital economy.
Gov. David Ige gathered with members from Technology Readiness User Evaluation to discuss expanding technology usage in the community. The TRUE Initiative discussed how Hawaiʻi should have a higher digital literacy to keep up with the global economy.
"Tech-enabled workers make 50% more in compensation than non-tech-enabled workers," said Paul Yonamine, Executive Chairman of Central Pacific Bank—which is a partner of TRUE. "We’re not talking about programmers and coders. We’re talking about administrative assistants, people who work in purchasing, logistics, and sales and whatnot."
"People who know how to use technology create more value and get paid better. So we thought, 'What a great opportunity to tech enable more workers in Hawaiʻi to help them make ends meet?'” he said.
Hawaiʻi state public libraries regularly offer online and in-person computer literacy classes. Contact your local branch to learn more.
