The following are among state and county testimonies the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii submitted for consideration by the respective lawmakers in February 2025.
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HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE
>> HB29 HD2 — ”Require counties to sell seized private property at market value”
>> HB126 HD1 — “HB126 HD1 would help but do little to end deeper asset-forfeiture issues”
>> HB367 HD1 — “Free county permitting staff to focus on complicated projects”
>> HB422 HD1 — “Abolish school impact fees, transfer funds to where they will be used”
>> HB476 HD1 — “Increasing capital gains tax could discourage investment in Hawaii”
>> HB504 HD1 — “Reject proposed TAT increase, especially without specific rates”
>> HB596 HD1 — “Clarify definitions of ’emergency’ and ‘disaster’ to prevent political abuse”
>> HB735 HD2 — “Redefine ‘dwelling unit’ for efficient septic system planning”
>> HB826 HD1 — “Allow greater range of housing in rural, agricultural districts”
>> HB830 HD1 — “Allow DLNR to hire contractors if SHPD review time exceeds 60 days”
>> HB966 HD1 — “Establish uniform standards for agricultural tourism statewide”
>> HB1379 HD1 — “Ease pathway to licensure for foreign medical graduates”
>> HB1405 HD1 — “Create digital portal, impose deadlines for DBEDT permits”
>> HB1409 HD1 — “Link HHFDC funding for housing in TOD zones to expanded density”
>> HB1410 HD2 — “Conveyance tax hikes on higher tiers could have broad negative effects”
>> HB1424 HD1 — “Strengthen language to prevent misuse of appropriated funds”
SENATE
>> SB15 — “Amend language that would redefine ‘historic properties’”
>> SB25 — “Don’t let county zoning result in net loss of housing potential”
>> SB38 SD1 — “Prevent counties from adding costs to state affordable housing”
>> SB55 SD1 — “Make rule changes easily accessible to public”
>> SB66 SD1 — “Provide permit applicants certainty via 60-day ‘shot clock’”
>> SB106 SD1 — “Remove unnecessary distance rule in jaywalking reform bill”
>> SB588 SD1 — “Allow self-certification and change flood-zone rules for solar projects”
>> HB732 HD1 — “Raise valuation thresholds for minor and use SMA permits”
>> SB830 SD1 — “Spare disaster-stricken buildings from SMA requirements”
>> SB1002 SD1 — “Complete SHPD reviews promptly or allow DLNR to hire third parties”
>> SB1043 SD1 — “Exempt certain foods and drugs from GET to make Hawaii more affordable”
>> SB1065 SD1 — “Shift focus of job requirements from degrees to practical skills”
>> SB1133 SD1 — “Focus on homebuilding, not imposing harmful rent controls”
>> SB1245 SD1 — “Make pharmacists eligible for reimbursements from medical plans”
>> SB1255 SD1 — “Apply transparency rules to work by government contractors”
>> SB1263 SD1 — “Enforce firm time frames for SHPD reviews to expedite homebuilding”
>> SB1279 SD1 — “Empower pharmacists to reach remote patients via telehealth”
>> SB1296 SD1 — “Waive SMA permits for projects in Lahaina historic landmark districts”
>> SB1396 SD1 — “Taxes aimed at tourists affect most, if not all, Hawaii residents”
>> SB1619 — “Joining compact would expand options for Hawaii beauty workers”
HAWAII’S COUNTIES
HAWAI‘I COUNTY
>> Bill 12 (2025) — “Adopt electrical code exemptions for quicker work and permitting”
HONOLULU COUNTY
>> Bill 1 (2025) — “Keep outdoor dining program; change permit fee to annual”
>> Bill 3 (2025) — “Chapter 35 ripe for round file, but intention behind it was good”
>> Bill 6 (2025) — “Time to hang up on references in city code to public phone booths”
>> Bill 9 (2025) — “Transparent list of city fees and charges would have many benefits”
>> Bill 17 (2025) — “Pass homeowner exemption increase now to stay ahead of likely property value increases”
>> Bill 19 (2025) — “Create narrower standard for when building plans must be resubmitted”
>> Bill 63 (2024) — “Extend waiver of certain fees to encourage ADU construction”
KAUA‘I COUNTY
>> Bill 2944 —“Create new property tax class for long-term affordable rentals”
MAUI COUNTY
>> Bill 103 (2024) — “Allow more homes per lot to meet Maui’s dire housing shortage”
>> Bill 104 (2024) — “Support ‘kitchenette’ measure but reject parking rule amendment”
>> RESOLUTION 25-60 — “Exempt small ag product stands from needing building permits”
MAUI PLANNING COMMISSION
>> Item C(1) — “Allow food trucks to operate by-right in ag districts as product stands can”
>> Item C(2) — “Expand opportunities for farmers, ranchers to benefit from tourism”
