Question: I stopped by the Liliha library and noticed there were computers for Internet access. Why can’t Wi-Fi be provided to other users who bring their own laptops or iPads? The price of a Wi-Fi router is less than $100.
Answer: It’s not as simple or as inexpensive as you think to provide general Internet service throughout the Hawaii State Public Library System, but it’s going to happen soon thanks to private funding.
The Kaneohe and Salt Lake-Moanalua libraries already have wireless access, and testing for Wi-Fi connectivity is being done to expand that to the other 48 libraries.
“We anticipate that this testing will be completed soon,” said state Librarian Richard Burns.
An announcement will be made when the wireless service becomes available.
“Federal law and security concerns require us to have more expensive and complex equipment than an in-home application,” Burns said.
However, the equipment was purchased with help from a Hawaii’s Access for All grant, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and leveraged with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online money, he said.
Matching funds were provided by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii and the Omidyar Ohana Fund, and through the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation.
The University of Hawaii, the lead agency in the funding grant, purchased the equipment on behalf of the libraries. Total cost for making Wi-Fi available in all 50 libraries was about $292,000.
Free Tax Help
Free tax help will be available again this year to certain segments of the population through various community organizations:
>> Beginning Wednesday through April 16, more than 250 AARP-trained and IRS-certified volunteers will offer free tax assistance at 42 locations around the state.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide says it is the largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance service for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, notably those age 60 and older.
Call toll-free 888-227-7669 or go to www.aarp.org/taxaide for locations and information. Appointments may be required. Foreign language assistance may be available.
>> The Hawai‘i Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development is offering free tax assistance by certified volunteers for low-income individuals, those with disabilities, non-English speakers and seniors, as well as individuals who qualify for the earned income tax credit and other credits.
For locations, go to goo.gl/vjCFL or call 211, Aloha United Way’s information and referral service. Most sites are by appointment only.
>> Goodwill is offering free tax help to qualified individuals (generally earning less than $50,000 a year) as part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program: on Oahu, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, at the Beretania store, 1072 Young St.; and 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, in Kapolei, 2140 Lauwili-wili St. April 10 is the last day.
For more information, go to goo.gl/k2WIv or call 436-9947 (Beretania) or 436-9948 (Kapolei).
>> The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii will offer free tax help as part of the VITA program at its office at 924 Bethel St. Call 527-8050 for weekday appointments and information. It will take walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Auwe
To the person who rammed the passenger door of my car while it was parked at the Neal Blaisdell Center parking lot on Jan. 11. You not only caved in the door, but broke the handle and lock. Now I can’t take my elderly auntie to her doctor’s appointments and other errands. Besides the huge cost of repairs, you are a selfish coward! — Lynn Miller
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Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
