Housing dominates subject matter of Grassroot's latest testimonies

from Grassroot Institute, Sept 26, 2025

The housing focus includes property tax relief and speeding up permitting; other topics include rail and rate freedom for taxis

The following are testimonies submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii over the past few weeks for consideration by the Honolulu and Maui county councils, plus the Lanai, Maui and Molokai planning commissions:

HONOLULU COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 34 (2025) — “Any new tax class tiers should reflect changes in property values”

>> Bill 40 (2025) — “Longer deed-restriction rules threaten affordable housing future”

>> Bill 42 (2025) — “Taxicabs need rate freedom to succeed in evolving transit industry”

>> Bill 56 (2025) — “Bill would add review layers, make it harder to receive minor SMA permits”

>> Bill 60 (2025) — “Proposal to extend rail to UH-Manoa just asking for more trouble”

MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL

>> Bill 113 (2025) — “Extend tax exemption deadline, partial credit for late filers”

>> Bill 122 (2025) — “Create legal certainty to encourage installation of manufactured housing”

>> Bill 123 (2025) — “Waive rules to help revive Lahaina’s bed and breakfasts”

>> RE: Real Property Tax Reform — “Maui’s property tax system should focus on relief and transparency”

LANA‘I PLANNING COMMISSION

>> RE: Item A(1) — “Completion of Lanai projects threatened by added permit approval”

>> RE: Item A(2) — “Increase allowable ADU area to create more housing options”

MAUI PLANNING COMMISSION

>> RE: Item A(1) — “Amend ADU size limits to help alleviate Maui’s housing crisis”

MOLOKA‘I PLANNING COMMISSION

>> RE: Item A(1) — “Increase living area for ADUs to help address Molokai’s housing shortage”

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