In the News

In this episode of Transform Hawaii Government’s (THG) Digital Talk Story series, Executive Director Christine Sakuda speaks with Senator Donovan Dela Cruz about the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on government service delivery, current priorities for government modernization, and how the community can get involved to advocate for modernization. Sen. Dela Cruz represents District … Read more

As Hawai’i continues its economic recovery coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders from the public and private sector are suggesting building a more robust digital economy as a key component of business within the state. That was the message Governor David Ige and top business leaders shared at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox for the event, … Read more

Like many business and community leaders across the islands, I was eager to hear Gov. David Ige present his State of the State address on Jan. 25. My hope was that more details would be shared on how Hawaii would bring its economy back. Unfortunately, many media outlets and political pundits felt the governor’s speech … Read more

At a time of stretched resources and high demand for state-run services, due to the pandemic, Hawaii’s online government infrastructure has come under increased scrutiny. Christine Sakuda, executive director of the nonprofit Transform Hawaii Government, or THG, is paying close attention to efforts to modernize aging systems like the Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance process, … Read more

“As Hawaiʻiʻs schools gear up for reopening next month, some students in the islandʻs more remote and rural communities will be doing so without adequate equipment for online learning. But efforts are underway on the Big Island to get as many computers as possible to students in need before the end of summer. Long-time Big … Read more

Transform Hawai’i Government was pleased to host a conversation with Minister Audrey Tang to discuss Taiwan’s successful response to COVID-19 using the power of digital social innovation. Minister Tang provided an overview with an open Q&A session. The presentation covered: Taiwan’s successful addressing of the corona virus using the power of digital social innovation, and … Read more

Virtual Interview: Christine Sakuda, Executive Director, Transform Hawai’i Government How has your organization been able to continue its core mission(s)? Our mission at Transform Hawai’i Government (THG) is to advocate for an accessible, accountable and responsive government that enhances the quality of life for Hawai’i’s citizens, whether it be through an empowered workforce, innovative technology … Read more

Transform Hawai’i Government is in support of Uplift Hawaiʻi’s efforts to collaboratively collect ideas on how to reopen our state’s economy. The 5 principles to uplift Hawai’i: The health and well-being of all island residents A healthy relationship with our natural environment A diverse island economy with more local business and a new model for … Read more

Private Cable Owners Don’t Need To Disclose To The Public “To Burt Lum and many members of the Hawaii Broadband Hui, which Lum organized in March at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, a fundamental problem in Hawaii is that the three critical submarine cables are all owned by private companies reluctant to discuss their … Read more

  Hawaii expects to receive nearly $5 billion in sorely needed federal stimulus funds, thanks to the collective work of our congressional delegation, state leaders and advocates from every corner of the economy. Even with that staggering influx of funding, Hawaii is sure to feel the gaping hole in our economy caused by a pandemic … Read more