Grassroot’s legislative wins include housing reforms, defeat of tax hikes

The biggest takeaway from the 2026 legislative session is that lawmakers appear to still be focused on addressing Hawaii’s affordability crisis, especially when it comes to passing housing reforms and turning down major tax increases, according to Ted Kefalas, the Grassroot Institute’s director of strategic campaigns. Kefalas joined H. Hawaii Media radio host Johnny Miro […]

Increase floor-area ratio downtown to boost housing opportunities

May 13, 2026, 10 a.m. Honolulu Hale To: Honolulu City Council Tommy Waters, Chair Andria Tupola, Vice Chair From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns RE: Resolution 26-39 — PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 21, REVISED ORDINANCES OF HONOLULU 2021 (THE LAND USE ORDINANCE), RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Aloha Chair Waters, […]

Repeal outdated laws to boost transparency, reduce confusion

May 13, 2026, 10 a.m. Honolulu Hale To: Honolulu City Council       Tommy Waters, Chair       Andria Tupola, Vice Chair From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns RE: Bill 36 (2026) — RELATING TO ORDINANCE REVISION Aloha Chair Waters, Vice Chair Tupola and other Council Members, The Grassroot Institute of […]

Tax credit would make homeownership more attainable

May 13, 2026, 8:30 a.m. Historic County Building To: Kaua’i County Council       Mel Rapozo, Chair       KipuKai Kuali’i, Vice Chair From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii             Jonathan Helton, Policy Analyst RE: Bill 2991 — RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAX Aloha Chair Rapozo, Vice Chair Kuali’i […]