DHHL Urges Customers of Sandwich Isles Communications (SIC) to Immediately Switch Phone & Internet Service Providers

Below is information about signing up for new phone and/or internet service.

DHHL is aware of widespread outages of SIC phone and internet service on Hawaiian Home Lands. We encourage lessees to sign-up for alternate service from Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum. We are also working to establish interim service in areas that are outside the service areas for those companies.

Q&A

  • Check if alternative service is available at your home address:

    Hawaiian Telcom
    www.hawaiiantel.com
    (808) 475-8469

    Spectrum
    www.spectrum.com/services/hawaii
    (808) 582-6146

    If both companies are unable to serve you, contact DHHL. Send your full address with zip code to dhhl.broadband@hawaii.gov or call (808) 570-4883.

    For business service, see below.

  • Ask if you are eligible for these programs:

    Spectrum
    Internet Assist Plans

    Hawaii Telcom
    HI-Connect free internet
    Internet Kokua
    Lifeline

    Lifeline is a federal program that can save you up to $34.25 per month and help with startup costs.
    • Check your eligibility and apply here.

    • If you have a disability and need assistance call (800) 234-9473.
    • If you wish to participate in Lifeline, we recommend signing up for new service and applying for Lifeline at the same time. If you are approved for Lifeline, notify your provider to receive your discount.

  • • If you are unable to sign up with another provider, please contact DHHL at dhhl.broadband@hawaii.gov or call (808) 749-2459.

  • If you receive phone service from SIC and wish to keep your current phone number, inform your new service provider when you sign up for new phone service.

    On June 7th, the FCC issued an Emergency Order, waiving the normal requirements for transferring numbers from SIC to a new service provider, citing extraordinary circumstances.

  • • SIC is a private company that is required to provide you with reliable service.

    • The company is facing foreclosure because it defaulted on a major loan.

    • In a separate case, a jury found that an SIC executive used company money for personal luxuries.

  • Check if alternative service is available at your business address:

    Hawaiian Telcom Business Service
    www.hawaiiantel.com
    (808) 546-3458

    Spectrum Business
    www.spectrum.com/business
    (808) 348-1118

    If both companies are unable to serve you, contact DHHL. Send your full address with zip code to dhhl.broadband@hawaii.gov or call (808) 570-4883.

    For residential service, see above.

  • • Test your current connection speed here.

    • To determine how much internet you need, take a short survey.

Updates

Establishing Interim Service

“Without the internet in this world we’re kind of lost.”


Report Unfair Phone or Internet Bills

If you're getting a bill for phone or internet service you canceled or aren’t receiving, DHHL has a guide on how to respond.


July 19, 2024

Phone lines at DHHL’s Oʻahu office will be temporarily unavailable starting Friday, July 19, 2024 at 3 p.m. The disruption is due to the department’s transition away from its former provider, SIC. DHHL’s individual employee phone lines are expected to return to service next week.

Those in need of immediate assistance may email dhhl.broadband@hawaii.gov. The Oʻahu office will remain open for in-person appointments.


June 10, 2024

Lessees may reach DHHL at (808) 620-9500. If that number stops working due to an outage of SIC service, call (808) 620-9500. As of Monday June 10, some DHHL district offices do not have phone service due to an SIC outage.


June 7, 2024

If you receive phone service from SIC and wish to keep your current phone number, inform your new service provider when you sign up for new phone service. 

On June 7th, the FCC issued an Emergency Order, waiving the normal requirements for transferring numbers from SIC to a new service provider, citing extraordinary circumstances.


June 6, 2024

DHHL publishes quick guide to help lessees sign up for new service.


May 31, 2024

Gov. Green signs emergency proclamation to avoid loss of phone and internet service.


May 31, 2024

DHHL responds to SIC threats to disconnect phone and internet service.


May 29, 2024

Read DHHL’s letter to SIC customers about how to switch phone & internet service providers.


May 24, 2024

DHHL urges SIC customers to switch phone and internet service providers.


May 17, 2024

Read DHHL’s letter to beneficiaries about SIC threats to suspend service.


May 10, 2024

Read DHHL’s letter to Puʻukapu beneficiaries about ongoing SIC service outage.

Background

Learn more about the history of Sandwich Isles Communications.

Contact

dhhl.broadband@hawaii.gov
(808) 620-9500