Honolulu Charter Commission OKs Grassroot ballot proposal

from Grassroot Institute

The Honolulu Charter Commission has advanced one of the Grassroot Institute’s proposed amendments through its first round of review. P065 proposes setting up a volunteer Cost of Government Commission to help identify inefficiencies and waste in city operations. Honolulu is the only county in the state without such a commission.

If the amendment makes it through future hearings, it will be put on the ballot for consideration by city voters during the 2026 general election.

LINK: Home — Honolulu Charter Comm.

LINK: P065_Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.pdf

Jan 12, 2026: Create commission with aim of reducing cost of city government | Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

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Meanwhile, the Hawai‘i County Council approved Grassroot-supported Bill 103 (2025) on final reading last week. If signed by Mayor Kimo Alameda, the bill will give a tax break to certain longtime farmers.

Below are links to Grassroot’s most recent testimonies submitted to the Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Maui county councils and the Honolulu Charter Commission.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY

>> Bill 63 (2025) — “Include single-family dwellings as by-right use in commercial zones”
>> Bill 103 (2025) — “Allow tax-relief ‘off ramp’ for senior agricultural land owners”

HONOLULU COUNTY

>> Bill 63 (2025) — "Amend property tax-dedication guidelines for low-income rentals”

>> Bill 76 (2025) — “Require county online budget data to be free and publicly accessible”

HONOLULU CHARTER COMMISSION

>> P065 — "Create commission with aim of reducing cost of city government”
>> P141 — “‘Community benefits agreements’ would further burden homebuilding”

MAUI COUNTY

>> Bill 1 (2026) — “Let subdivision planning proceed while waiting on water approval”
>> Bill 183 (2025) — “Expand height-limit exemption to all buildings destroyed in Lahaina fires”