New Grassroot report outlines ways to build more farmworker housing
Actions at the state and county levels would benefit the employees as well as farmers, ranchers and everyone who enjoys Hawaii-grown products HONOLULU, Jan. 6, 2026 >> Hawaii farmers and ranchers often attest that attracting, training and retaining quality employees is difficult, given their sometimes remote locations and the cost of housing. The Grassroot Institute […]
Expand height-limit exemption to all buildings destroyed in Lahaina fires
The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Maui County Council on Jan. 7, 2026._____________ Jan. 7, 2026, 9 a.m.Kalana O Maui Building To: Maui County Council Alice Lee, Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, Vice Chair From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Jonathan Helton, Policy Analyst RE: Bill 183 (2025) […]
Include single-family dwellings as by-right use in commercial zones
The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Hawai’i County Council on Jan. 7, 2026._____________ Jan. 7, 2026, 9 a.m.Hawai‘i County Council Chambers in Hilo To: Hawai‘i County Council Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, Vice Chair From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Jonathan Helton, Policy Analyst RE: […]
Allow tax-relief ‘off ramp’ for senior agricultural land owners
The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Hawai’i County Council on Jan. 7, 2026._____________ Jan. 7, 2026, 9 a.m.Hawaiʻi County Building To: Hawai‘i County Council Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, Vice-Chair From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Jonathan Helton, Policy Analyst RE: Bill 103 (2025) — […]
Grassroot commentaries published during 2025 by local, national media
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii produced more than 30 commentaries during 2025 that were first featured by local and national media platforms other than Grassroot’s own website. The topics of those commentaries included Hawaii’s high cost of living, the state’s housing shortage, barriers to the rebuilding of Lahaina, taxes, healthcare, the Jones Act, job opportunities, […]
