Two Challenges
The Digital Divide
The Digital Divide
The Digital Divide
In Hawai`i, 8.2% of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders have no computer in their household, compared to 4% for our state's total population.
Electronic Waste
The Digital Divide
The Digital Divide
E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream and accounts for 70% of toxic waste in landfills. Yet less than 20% is recycled, and many of the advantages of recycling our island's e-waste, such as through reuse and precious metals recovery, largely benefit other communities.
The Response: The IT Reuse Hawai`i Project
collection
refurbishment
refurbishment
Computers are donated directly or received through e-waste collection at Mr. K's Recycle & Redemption Center. Data is securely wiped.
refurbishment
refurbishment
refurbishment
Hawai`i Community College IT students and other volunteers refurbish and refresh computers.
distribution
refurbishment
distribution
Computers are distributed to low-income individuals and families to achieve life goals through partners such as Hawai`i First FCU Community Resource Center.
training
refurbishment
distribution
New owners access free online digital literacy classes and other resources through the Hawai`i Public Library.
About IT Reuse Hawai1i
Project Objectives
- Build Island resilience by sustainably and safely retaining assets and reducing e-waste.
- Support the life goals of low-income individuals and families in employment, education, financial empowerment, and access.
- Enhance IT education through hands-on experience.
Our Goal
Distribute 1,000 computers to Hawai`i Island individuals and families over the next 5 years
Secure Data Destruction
We provide complimentary data sanitization that is compliant with DOD, HIPAA and NIST 800-88. Donors receive documentation of verified data destruction for each device. Components that can't be reused are responsibly recycled through end recyclers that are R2 or e-Stewards certified.
We accept functioning Windows laptops and desktops that are ideally less than 10 years old.
Project Partners
- Hawai`i Community College
- Mr. K's Recycle & Redemption Center, Inc.
- Hawai`i First Federal Credit Union & Community Resource Center
- PCs for People - Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR)
- Hawai`i State Public Library - Hilo
- Pacific Pro-Tech Services
Project Team
- Michele Mitsumori, Project Coordinator, IT Reuse Hawai`i
- Dr. Carrie Butler, Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor, Business Education & Technology, Hawai`i Community College
IT Reuse Hawai`i is a project of the Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. EIN: 99-0279188