The following are among state and county testimonies the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii submitted for consideration by the respective lawmakers in February and March 2025.
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HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE
>> HB202 HD1 — “No reason given for why increase in unemployment tax is needed”
>> HB367 HD2 — “Expand permit exemptions for certain structures and repairs”
>> HB596 HD1 — “Clarify definitions of ‘disaster’ and ’emergency’ to prevent power abuse”
>> HB735 HD2 — “Amend ‘dwelling unit’ definition for greater septic system flexibility”
>> HB1405 HD1 — “Impose deadlines, create digital portal to speed up DBEDT permitting”
>> HB1406 HD1 — “Establish task force to simplify intergovernmental permit process”
SENATE
>> SB15 SD1 — “Redefine ‘historic properties’ to remove uncertainty, quicken review process”
>> SB25 SD1 — “Pass SB25 SD1 to prevent net loss of housing due to county ‘downzoning’”
>> SB38 SD2 — “Prevent counties from adding costs to state affordable housing projects”
>> SB55 SD1 — “Changes to rules should be recorded and made available”
>> SB66 SD2 — “Reach housing goals faster by implementing 60-day ‘shot clock’”
>> SB125 SD2 — “Increase duration, expand eligibility for businesses in enterprise zones”
>> SB353 SD2 — “Support justifiable, transparent, constitutional emergency response”
>> SB588 SD2 — “Require counties to establish new flood zone rules, self-certification process for certain solar projects”
>> SB1002 SD2 — “Let DLNR contract out to speed up historic reviews for state housing”
>> SB1043 SD2 — “Exempt groceries and OTC medicines for immediate cost-of-living relief”
>> SB1263 SD2 — “Set historic review deadlines for certain projects in TOD zones”
>> SB1278 SD1 — “Reimburse businesses required to pay GET on COVID-era grants”
>> SB1296 SD2 — “Without streamlined SMA process, Lahaina recovery faces uphill battle”
>> SB1396 SD3 — “Hawaii doesn’t need another counterproductive tax increase”
HAWAII’S COUNTIES
HONOLULU
>> Bill 1 (2025)— “Make permanent city’s outdoor dining services program”
>> Bill 3 (2025) — “Scrap well-intended but unused business-incentive program”
>> Bill 6 (2025) — “References to phone booths no longer needed in city code”
>> Bill 9 (2025) — “Up-to-date appendix of fees needed to promote transparency”
>> Bill 17 (2025) — “Increase property tax exemption for homeowners by $20,000”
>> Bill 19 (2025) — “Limit need to resubmit construction plans to only changes in square footage”
KAUA‘I
>> Bill 2942 — “Expanding where farmers markets can operate would benefit everyone”
MAUI
>> Bill 105 (2024) CD1 — “Reforms proposed in Bill 105 necessary for Lahaina restoration”
