Working for a better economy, better governance and a better society
Rail and Bill 80 represent old way of thinking
I’ve been saying that Hawaii’s policymakers need to respond to the economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns with bold ideas. I should have clarified that by “bold ideas” I meant new thinking, not the relentless pursuit of the same old big government policies. In...
Old federal maritime law holds back Hawaii tourism, new report shows
The following is a news release sent out to all Hawaii media on Oct. 21, 2020. ____________ Ocean cruising has been suspended during the lockdowns, but when it resumes, it needs more freedom to benefit Hawaii HONOLULU, Oct. 21, 2020 >> Ocean cruising is a...
Bill 80 could ‘wreak havoc’ on Oahu hotels, Akina says on Mike Buck Show
“It looks like that we’ve a controversy on our hands,” said Hawaii talk show host Mike Buck, speaking Tuesday morning (Oct. 20, 2020) to his devoted KHNR AM 690 or FM 94.3 radio audience. In fact, said the popular veteran broadcaster, “I know...
Testimony: Bill 80 could hurt Oahu’s hotels and employees more than help
This testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii on Oct. 19, 2020, to the Honolulu City Council’s Committee on Executive Matters and Legal Affairs. _______________ To: Ron Menor, Chair, and Carol Fukunaga, Vice Chair From: Joe Kent, Grassroot...
Akina discuses tourism, diversification on MauiNow
Keli’i Akina, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, chatted earlier this month with Pacific Media Group COO and MauiNow director Jack Dugan to answer questions about the state of Hawai’i’s economy. MauiNow’s summary of the...
‘Positive disrupter’ on ‘Perry & the Posse’
“Let’s not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” That was the advice of Keli‘i Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, speaking Friday, June 21, with popular radio host Michael W. Perry about Honolulu County’s short-term vacation rental policies....
‘De facto ban’ could poison tourism well
The Honolulu County Council this week approved two bills that will impose tough regulations on short-term vacation rentals, pending final approval by the mayor, and this is a cause for worry.The regulatory scheme of these two bills is so strict that it could be...
Let’s be reasonable about short-term vacation rentals
For years, Hawaii has had a strange approach to short-term rental properties, especially those operating without the required county permits. Some residents have decried their impact on our communities and the housing market. Others have depended on them to make ends...
Testimony on short-term rentals – Bill 89
May 8, 2019 To: Honolulu City Council From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Joe Kent, Executive vice president Re: Bill 89 — Relating to Short-Term Rentals Comments Only Dear Council Members: The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii would like to offer its comments on Bill 89,...