The state of Hawai�i said it is making a bid to be part of Google Inc.�s Fiber for Communities project that will provide ultra-fast internet service to areas it selects around the country.

Google plans to build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial communities across the country, ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 households.
The state said it is making a collaborative pitch with the City and County of Honolulu, Kaua�i, Maui and Hawai�i counties for the installation of the fast Internet service.
Google announced in February that it would build and test the networks in a small number of trial locations in an effort to give people speeds that are more than 100 times faster than what they typically receive.
�Hawai�i and Google are two of the world�s most recognized brand names,� said Gov. Linda Lingle in a statement released to the media.
�A Google �Fiber for Communities' � project in Hawai�i will unite these two global brands into an attractive and compelling platform to demonstrate the benefits of ultra-high speed broadband.�
The governor�s office said the partnership will provide Google a �one-stop� interface to facilitate regulatory and permitting requirements and the state and county governments are prepared to provide regulatory relief where possible to facilitate the deployment of an ultra-high speed broadband network.
In addition, the application also calls for partnerships with the public and private sectors of Hawai�i�s community.
Hawai�i residents can help bring Google's ultra-high speed project to Hawai�i through an online community response at www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/ before March 26.
Or people can visit http://techhui.com and click "Become a Fan" at the top of the page to show your support via Facebook. For those not on Facebook, techhui provides an alternate petition site at www.petitionspot.com/petitions/gigabithi.