The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Honolulu City Council Committee on Planning, Infrastructure and Transportation on Feb. 12, 2025.
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Feb. 12, 2025, 9 a.m.
Honolulu Hale
To: Honolulu City Council Committee on Planning, Infrastructure and Transportation
Radiant Cordero, Chair
Val Okimoto, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: Bill 1 (2025) — RELATING TO PUBLIC PLACES
Aloha Chair Cordero, Vice-Chair Okimoto and other members of the Committee,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports Bill 1 (2025), which would make permanent the Outdoor Dining Services Pilot Program.
A byproduct of the COVID-19 lockdowns, this outdoor dining arrangement has provided restaurants flexibility and the opportunity to innovate with new seating arrangements that take advantage of Oahu’s beautiful weather and scenery.
The Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization’s final report on the pilot program found that 15 eateries participated. All three businesses that responded to OER’s survey indicated that offering outdoor dining has increased their revenue, and one business reported hiring more employees as a result.[1]
Grassroot strongly suggests implementing OER’s recommendations relating to permit duration and making the semi-annual permit fees annual instead.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Ted Kefalas
Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
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[1] “Outdoor Dining Services Program: Report to the Honolulu City Council,” Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Nov. 12, 2024, p. 14.
