When it comes to providing state and private information, the Hawaii FYI network really shines. While other states have turned a deaf ear to citizen calls for online access to government, Hawaii has made it possible for anyone with a computer and modem to dial up all sorts of free information about the operation of their state government.
Hawaii FYI is run by state-owned Hawaii Information Network Corporation (Hawaii INC). The corporation was set up "to encourage the development and growth of the information industry in Hawaii . . . to provide access to state information systems . . . [and] to supply private information obtained from private sources of database providers," according to its mission statement. For those without the requisite hardware, free terminals are available in public libraries, schools, and state information offices. Hawaiians can find out what their state government is up to and chip in their two cents by sending e-mail to their elected representatives.
In addition to doing their electronic civic duties, Hawaii FYI users can listen and chat in special-interest forums, read up-to-the-minute news, get energy and consumer tips, check restaurant guides, access electronic library card catalogs, learn about the Hawaiian monarchy, and so on. Hawaii FYI also allows users to access a variety of free and pay-as-you-go private information services, and acts as an Internet gateway for worldwide data exchange. All this and paradise too. Hawaii INC and Hawaii FYI: +1 (808) 586 4636. E-mail (koga@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu). - Sandy Sandfort
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