Media coverage and strong attendance at luncheon events in Hilo and Honolulu are signs of high interest in Grassroot’s proposals
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii released its newest policy brief on Tuesday (Oct. 29, 2024), which details seven ways to help relieve one of Hawaii’s most persistent homebuilding headaches: building-permit delays, which are a major contributor to the state’s housing crisis.
Two days prior, on Sunday, Hawaii News Now reporter Annalisa Burgos gave her “Sunrise” viewers a sneak preview of the brief, “Seven low-cost ways to speed up permitting in Hawaii.” in an extended interview with Grassroot Executive Vice President Joe Kent.
On Wednesday, Maui Now reported on the brief in an article headlined “Grassroot Institute proposes expedited permitting for housing shortage relief.”
The report also was the subject of two Grassroot-sponsored events this week. At a luncheon in Hilo on Wednesday, dozens of attendees heard from Kent; Ted Kefalas, Grassroot director of strategic campaigns; and Keli‘i Akina, Grassroot president.
At the second luncheon today in Honolulu, featuring a sold-out crowd of more than 60 people, the Grassroot staffers were joined by Honolulu Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and Ted Peck, president of Holu Hou Energy.
