Grassroot sponsoring two events on how to reduce permit delays

In Hilo and Honolulu, experts will discuss Grassroot’s upcoming report detailing ways to speed up permitting and homebuilding

from Grassroot Institute, Oct 16, 2024

HONOLULU, Oct. 16, 2024 >> How to reduce Hawaii’s notorious building permit delays and ease Hawaii’s housing crisis will be discussed in October and November at luncheon events sponsored by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

The first gathering will take place Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Hilo and feature Grassroot staffers Keli‘i Akina, president and CEO; Joe Kent, executive vice president; and Ted Kefalas, director of strategic campaigns.

They will talk about policy recommendations made in the Grassroot Institute’s upcoming policy brief, “Seven low-cost ways to speed up permitting in Hawaii.”

Written by Grassroot policy researcher Jonathan Helton, the brief is subtitled “Expediting the issuance of building permits is critical to making a dent in Hawaii’s housing crisis.”

In Honolulu, the brief will be discussed Friday, Nov. 1, again featuring Grassroot staff, but also industry and political experts who will focus on building permit reforms.

Grassroot’s seven recommendations for state and county lawmakers are to:

>> Allow preapproved building plans.

>> Exempt basic projects that do not pose major safety risks.

>> Streamline the approval process for solar-related projects.

>> Grandfather dwellings built without permits.

>> Allow third-party approvals of certain permits.

>> Adopt “shot clocks” whereby applicants with delayed permits could receive fee reductions or even automatic approvals.

>> Reduce building permit fees.

The Oct. 30 Hilo event will be at The Venue, 811 Laukapu St., from noon to
1 p.m., with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $10 and includes lunch. Limited free parking is available on site with additional street parking available nearby.

The Nov. 1 Honolulu event will be at a private club in the downtown area, also from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $30 and includes lunch and parking.

Both presentations will include time for audience members to ask questions of the speakers.

To reserve seating for either of the events, click on the appropriate button below.

For additional information, please call Sean Mitsui at 808-864-1776 or email info@grassrootinstitute.org.

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>>>  HONOLULU EVENT TICKETS  <<<