Grassroot testimonies — early March 2026

News release from Grassroot Institute, March 12, 2026

The following are state and county testimonies submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii in the first half of March 2026.
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STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

>> HB1612 HD1 — “Hawaii should set goals to be more friendly to businesses”

>> HB1620 HD2 — “Hawaii residents and businesses cannot afford barrel tax hike“

>> HB1710 HD2 — “Impose permit review deadlines for State Historic Preservation Division”

>> HB1721 HD1 — “Improve permit self-certification process by setting liability rules“

>> HB1728 HD1 — “Rainwater catchment should be allowed in all Hawaii counties“

>> HB1737 HD2 — “Allow farmers and ranchers to build worker housing to boost operations“

>> HB1850 HD1 — “Increasing capital gains tax would slow business growth, investment”

>> HB1918 HD1 — “Expanding scope of conveyance tax would be an economic burden“

>> HB1984 HD2 — “Create solar self-certification process, update flood zone rules“

>> HB1990 HD1 — “County foreclosures would leave owners susceptible to equity theft“

>> HB2049 HD2 — “Conveyance tax hike would not be reliable funding source“

>> SB2080 SD1 — “Joining psychology compact would benefit patients and providers“

>> HB2147 HD2 — “Shelve bill that would allow state to collect property taxes”

>> HB2148 — “Increasing estate taxes could reduce business investment, job creation“

>> HB2197 HD1 — “Establish lawful process for property owners to get rid of squatters“

>> HB2306 — “Evaluate state budget to save historic income tax cuts“

>> HB2319 HD1 — “Loosen CON regulations to improve quality of healthcare“

>> HB2325 HD1 — “Waive civil service law to fill long-vacant SHPD, CWRM positions“

>> HB2386 HD1 — “Water carrier price adjustments would increase cost of living“

>> HB2388 HD1 — “Relieve state agencies of print-only public meeting notice requirement“

>> HB2558 HD1 — “Expanding telehealth access would help overcome staffing challenges“

>> HB2585 HD2 — “Implement agricultural tourism rules in all counties“

>> HB2619 HD1 — “Apply same rules for cottage foods to home and farm kitchens”

STATE SENATE

>> SB2190 SD1 — “Stop imposition of ineffective inclusionary zoning requirements“

>> SB2378 SD1 — “Clarify liability rules to streamline self-certification process“

>> SB2694 SD1 — “Reject automatically raising prices for water carrier operations“

>> SB2921 — “Transfer idle special funds into state’s general fund“

>> SB2970 SD1 — “Government contracts should not be awarded to relatives of state officials“

>> SB2981 — “Parking requirements a costly waste of precious housing space“

>> SB3125 — “Income tax cut repeal could stunt business growth and job creation“

>> SB3263 SD1 — “Do not use taxpayer dollars to compensate UH athletes“

HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS AND PARKS

>> Bill 18 (2026) — “Requiring parking for Bill 7 projects would thwart homebuilding efforts“

HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON ZONING AND PLANNING

>> Bill 6 (2026), CD1 — “Amend apartment floor area ratios to increase housing density“

KAUA‘I COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 2987 — “Property tax reform could help farmers expand agricultural businesses“

KAUA‘I PLANNING COMMISSION

>> Bill 2979 — “Employee housing bill’s strict requirements could limit its effectiveness“

>> Bill 2973 — “Limiting unrelated roommates could worsen housing affordability crisis“

MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 27 (2026) — “Create more housing options by increasing living area for ADUs“

MAUI PLANNING COMMISSION

>> Item A(1) — “Joint development agreements would boost housing flexibility on Maui“

MOLOKAʻI PLANNING COMMISSION

>> Item A(1) — “Joint development agreements would increase housing flexibility for property owners“