Lucky — and grateful — we live Hawaii

by Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., President / CEO, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

This Thanksgiving, I thought a lot about the familiar phrase “Lucky we live Hawaii.”

It’s not just a tourism gimmick. There is truth to be found in those words. I am lucky to be living life here. More than that, I’m thankful.

Even though, as president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, I mostly use this column to speak out against Hawaii’s high cost of living, burdensome housing policies or its politics in general, I do so because I want the best for those of us who call these special islands home.

It’s like offering constructive criticism to a family member, and sometimes it's received about as well. But you don’t hold back from helping family, and Grassroot will never hold back from trying to make Hawaii more free and prosperous for all.

That commitment has been especially evident in our efforts to research and advocate policies that will help Lahaina fire victims rebuild after the tragic wildfires of August 2023 — work that recently received international recognition by way of being nominated for the Atlas Network’s Templeton Freedom Award.

It was a huge honor for me to represent Grassroot as an award finalist earlier this month at the Atlas Network’s annual Freedom Dinner held in New York.

Grassroot shared the stage with five other finalist organizations selected from around the world, all of which work to advance freedom in their region.

To be in the same arena as the grand prize winner, a group that teaches the principles of liberty to young people in the nation of Georgia at the risk of their own safety, was truly humbling.

It was a reminder that whether an organization is fighting against oppressive government operations or opposing the tyranny of bureaucracy, there are no meaningless battles when standing up for individual freedom.

So, as I count my blessings this year, I certainly have much to be thankful for.

I’m grateful that I could represent Hawaii and Grassroot on an international stage.

I’m grateful to work with a dedicated staff and board of directors that continue to produce such wonderful work.

And I am especially grateful for the encouragement I receive every day from the amazing people who believe in Grassroot. You truly make our victories and accolades possible, and your support will impact Hawaii for years to come.

We are all “Lucky we live Hawaii,” but we must also try to make it better. And we must do so out of love.

I give thanks for you with a grateful heart. I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving and wish you a joyful holiday season to come.

E hana kākou! (Let's work together!)