Honolulu, Hawai'i (July 9, 2024) — Hawaiian Telcom unveiled its new training center in Halawa and freshly—branded vehicles this morning at a special dedication ceremony attended by government officials, company executives, and more than 100 technicians
Hawaiian Telcom invested $15 million in its new Halawa Training Center and more than 100 new Fioptics—branded vehicles for every island to support Hawaiian Telcom's ongoing statewide fiber expansion.
"To achieve internet access for all of Hawai'i, we must invest not only in reliable infrastructure but also in a skilled workforce to expand our fiber network. Hawaiian Telcom's new training center will help build up our workforce and significantly contribute to our state's internet expansion efforts under the Connect Kākou initiative," said Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke.
“We're in an exciting expansion phase at Hawaiian Telcom. As we continue to invest in expanding our future—proof fiber network, we're also investing in our employees, ensuring that our team members continue to do their jobs safely and serve our community effectively,” said Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin. “These investments in our new training facility and in our fleet of vehicles are crucial to our fiber expansion, especially as we prepare to launch new services statewide.”
Kahu Wendell Davis conducted a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony of Hawaiian Telcom's Halawa Training Center with fresh maile lei placed throughout the multi—building site.
Hawaiian Telcom invested $2 million to acquire and transform the nearly 15,000-sq. ft. site near the top of Iwaena Street into a one—stop training center for Hawaiian Telcom's technicians and construction teams statewide.
Pole-climbing classes will take place in an area where Hawaiian Telcom erected multiple 30 ft. poles to provide hands—on training for technicians to safely climb and descend poles when they are in the field. In another area, Hawaiian Telcom created a simulated residential space so the technicians can practice drilling into floors from crawl spaces, from the ceiling in attics or between walls to properly install fiber—optic cables.
Also this year, more than 100 Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics—branded vehicles are rolling out on all islands, the result of a $13 million investment. New trucks, vans and utility vehicles display a unique message for Fioptics fiber internet with a color palette and design that work in harmony to create a memorable visual identity, and differentiate it from other brands in Hawai'i.
“I love Hawaiian Telcom's Fioptics internet design with cool fiber waves and ocean—inspired colors,“ said Noly Hipolito, owner of family business Arts & Signs that created the vehicle wraps for Hawaiian Telcom's new fleet. “They are a great customer and I appreciate their commitment to support small local businesses like mine. I'm a satisfied Fioptics internet customer myself!“
To improve efficiency, Hawaiian Telcom also implemented a fleet management system that will enable faster reporting of performance issues, logging mileage and making service appointments via a mobile device. This system eliminates paper forms, supporting the company's commitment to sustainability.
Since 2010, Hawaiian Telcom has invested more than a billion dollars, half of which of was invested within the past five years, to expand its statewide fiber network and support broadband access for Hawaiʻi residents.
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About Hawaiian Telcom
Established by King David Kalakaua in 1883, Hawaiian Telcom, a locally managed legacy company, has served Hawaiʻi's telecommunications needs for over 140 years. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiian Telcom delivers communications solutions, including high-speed internet, video, voice, data network solutions and security, managed and cloud services to residential, business and wholesale customers over its statewide future-proof fiber network. Hawaiian Telcom has expanded the possibilities of community connectivity, offering the fastest, most reliable connection available through its resilient, weather-proof fiber network.
Hawaiian Telcom has made a significant investment in the state, from building local infrastructure, including laying new undersea cables across the Pacific to Asia, to making strides in closing the digital divide by expanding its services statewide and supporting local organizations with programs focused on digital equity. Since 2017, between grants and sponsorships, Hawaiian Telcom has given more than $5.5 million to support nonprofits and charitable initiatives across Hawaiʻi. For more information, visit Hawaiiantel.com.
Contact
Ann Nishida Fry
(808) 285-9289
Ann.nishida@hawaiiantel.com