Grassroot testimonies — early to mid May ’25

from Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, May 22, 2025

Below are the testimonies submitted over the past two weeks by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Hawai‘i, Honolulu, Kaua‘i and Maui county councils or planning commissions.

HONOLULU COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 6 (2025), CD2 — “Repeal parts of city code referring to uncommon, outdated structures”

>> Bill 29 (2025) — “Extend property tax exemption for Bill 7 projects to 15 years”

>> Bill 44 (2025) — “Expand where Bill 7 housing can be built to business districts”

>> RE: Resolution 25-105 — “Cut lot size and floor area rules to make apartment housing more viable”

>> RE: Resolution 25-105 — “Adjust building lot requirements to encourage more homebuilding”

KAUAI COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 2951, Draft 1 — “Open new avenues for vendors, farmers markets to operate”

MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL

>>REAL PROPERTY TAX RATES FOR THE COUNTY OF MAUI, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025 — “Reduce tax rates, cut spending is key to healthier Maui County budget”

>> Council Communication 25-8 — A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO BILL 41, CD1 (2025) — “Proposal to cut property tax rates wise idea in face of cloudy future”

>> Bill 40 (2025) — “Strict deed restrictions discourage potential affordable homebuyers”

>> Bill 54 (2025) — “Adopt project labor agreements at risk of higher construction costs”

>> Bill 75 (2025) — “Allow tourism activities as accessory uses in ag districts”

>> Bill 104 (2024) — “Two kitchenettes per dwelling would help relieve housing shortage”

MOLOKA‘I PLANNING COMMISSION

>> RE: Item C(1):— “Waive registration rules for B&Bs destroyed by declared disasters”

LANA‘I PLANNING COMMISSION

>>  Item B(3) — “Amend code to help B&B owners rebuild and get back on their feet”