The Hawai‘i and Honolulu county councils pass bills supported by Grassroot
from Grassroot Institute, Dec 5, 2025
In late November, the Hawai‘i County Council unanimously approved legislation supported by the Grassroot Institute that allows folks in residential-zoned areas to own backyard chickens, ducks, guineas and quail for the purpose of egg production.
Grassroot said in testimony in favor of Bill 52 (2025) that the measure "would enhance Hawaii Island’s self-sufficiency efforts, since raising birds for egg production or meat would reduce the need for imports." It is expected to take effect once signed by Mayor Kimo Alameda.
Meanwhile, the Honolulu City Council sent Bill 42 (2025) to Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s desk earlier this week. That bill would allow taxicabs to set their own prices, similar to how rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft already operate.
Here is a complete list of all the testimonies submitted by Grassroot over the past two weeks to the Hawai‘i, Honolulu and Maui county councils, plus the Honolulu Charter Commission:
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Grassroot testimonies submitted in December 2025
by Sarah Zoellick, Grassroot Institute, December 5, 2025
The following are testimonies submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii in the first week of December 2025 for consideration by the Hawai‘i, Honolulu and Maui county councils:
HAWAI‘I COUNTY
>> Bill 63 — “Allow single-family dwellings by-right in mixed-use zoning districts”
>> Bill 103 — “Provide tax relief to aging farmers; cap ag land value increase”
HONOLULU COUNTY
>> Bill 42 (2025), CD1 — “City rules shouldn’t dictate rates for taxicabs”
>> Bill 74 — “Outdated ordinances deemed unconstitutional need to go”
>> Bill 76 — “Give public access to database of city budget expenditures”
MAUI COUNTY
>> Bill 171, CD1 (2025) — “Extend Lahaina property tax waivers to prevent costs for unusable land“
>> Re: Resolution 25-222 — A PROPOSED BILL TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER ON JOINT USE DEVELOPMENT — “Joint development agreements could provide housing flexibility“