Grassroot-supported bill could hasten building permit process

The Honolulu City Council's zoning committee approves doing away with affidavits needed to build homes or other structures

from Grassroot Institute, July 27, 2025

People seeking permits to build homes or other structures on Oahu would no longer have to submit affidavits swearing that they have no fines or liens payable to the city, according to a bill supported by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii that was approved Wednesday by the Honolulu County Council's zoning committee.

As reported yesterday in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said Bill 39 (2024), "if passed, … might reduce the long wait times to get a city building permit."

Reporter Ian Bauer cited Grassroot's testimony on the bill in which Ted Kefalas, Grassroot director of strategic campaigns, said:

"These rules can make it more difficult for some owners, such as businesses or individuals who own multiple lots, to receive a building permit. Some applicants might struggle to obtain an affidavit in a timely fashion. For others, an outstanding fine on one property could prevent them from receiving a building permit to do work on another.”

Also this week, Grassroot submitted testimony for consideration by the Honolulu Council budget committee supporting Bill 25 (2024) which would repeal an obsolete $50 annual licensing fee for hotels and boarding houses.

"As the bill notes," Kefalas said in his testimony, "the city’s authority to levy the fee was based on a state law that the Legislature repealed in 2001, so the city has not levied it since then."

He added: "Grassroot appreciates the intent of this measure and would welcome further Council actions to repeal outdated and redundant portions of the city code."

>> Remove affidavit requirement for acquiring building permits | Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

>> Repeal obsolete $50 licensing fee for hotels and boarding houses | Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

Hawai‘i County

Also this week, Grassroot submitted three testimonies for consideration by the Hawai‘i County Council:

>> Bill 174: "Eliminate specter of tax hike for homeowners who rent out rooms"

>> Bill 123: "Redefine ‘ohana dwellings,’ cut duplicative ADU permit process"

>> Resolution 556-24: "Research economic impact of STRs before enacting new rules"