Maui lawmakers give green light to food trucks and kitchenettes

On Maui, the Planning Commission backs a bill that would make it easier for B&Bs destroyed in the 2023 fires to rebuild

from Grassroot Institute

The Maui County Council and Mayor Richard Bissen have approved measures supported by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii that will expand economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers and make a dent in the housing crisis.

Bill 76 (2025), CD1 FD1, allows farmers and ranchers to operate mobile food trucks and trailers as a by-right accessory use on their own properties in agricultural districts on the islands of Maui and Lanai without needing to obtain special-use permits — subject to a limit of 25 total in the Hana community plan area.

Bill 104 (2024), CD1 FD1, allows one kitchenette per principal dwelling in the residential and rural zoning districts of Maui and Lanai, which will make it easier for more people to live in a single dwelling.

Jonathan Helton, Grassroot policy researcher, testified on Bill 104 that "in essence, this bill is responding to the reality that often an individual or family occupying only part of a house will want access to a sink, refrigerator and a countertop to prepare food. Current code allows only one kitchen per dwelling unit, thus discouraging multigenerational households and rooming."

He added: "Since many Maui households displaced by the August 2023 wildfires have been and will be living together for some time, this bill is a smart, simple approach to a big problem."

Also on Maui, the Maui Planning Commission recently approved a proposal that would help Lahaina bed and breakfast proprietors whose properties were destroyed by the 2023 wildfires to rebuild and resume operations. That bill now goes to the County Council for consideration.

Meanwhile, on Oahu, the Honolulu City Council recently approved on first reading two measures supported by Grassroot — Bill 49 (2025) and Bill 50 (2025) — that would increase the property tax exemptions by $20,000 for both homeowners age 65 and older and homeowners under age 65 to $180,000 and $140,000, respectively.

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Grassroot keeps the conversation going through its postings on social media

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii's added two important videos to its Instagram postings last month to bring attention to two bills that had been listed on Gov. Josh Green's intent-to-veto list.

One was about implementing permitting shot clocks, SB66. The other was about civil asset forfeiture reform, HB126.

The videos prompted many viewers to take action and send messages of support for the two bills to Gov. Green, who later signed both bills into law. Maybe he saw the videos too!

To see more of Grassroot's Instagram videos, go here, and make sure to follow @grassroothawaii to see our newest videos first.

To see Grassroot's latest posts on Facebook, including the newest ones about the Hawaii Tourism Authority and interstate telehealth, go here

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Below are the testimonies submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii between early June and mid July for consideration by the Honolulu and Maui county councils and the Maui Planning Commission.

HONOLULU COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 49 (2025) — “Increase property tax exemption for homeowners age 65 and older”

>> Bill 50 (2025) — “Increase property tax exemption for homeowners under age 65”

MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 9 (2025) — “Grassroot urges Maui County Council to defer STR phaseout indefinitely”

>> Bill 75 (2025), CD1 — “Allow agricultural tourism activities by-right in Maui ag districts”

>> Bill 76 (2025), CD1 FD1 — “Pass Maui ‘food truck’ bill that nixes need for special-use permits”

>> Bill 76 (2025), CD1 — “Ditch department rule requiring permits for food trucks in ag lands”

>> Bill 104 (2024), CD1 — “Allowing kitchenettes would help achieve several county goals”

>> Bill 104 (2024), CD1 FD1 — “Maui ‘kitchenette’ bill is simple solution to big problem”

>> Resolution 25-142 — “Maui County should consider increasing size limits for ADUs”

MAUI PLANNING COMMISSION

>> Item A(4) — “Waive registration rules to help Maui’s bed and breakfasts rebound”