Legislative wrap-up tour ends on high note for Grassroot

from Grassroot Institute, June 25, 2026

The growing influence of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii on state legislative affairs was made exceedingly clear during presentations by Grassroot staff earlier this month on Hawaii Island and Maui and Oahu.

At the Maui event in Kahului, moderator and Grassroot President Keli‘i Akina said foremost among the victories were to help preserve most of the 2024 Legislature’s historic income tax cuts — and help kill all other major proposed tax hikes as well. Grassroot also helped expand freedom in the areas of homebuilding, agriculture and occupational licensing.

Akina noted that Grassroot produced 16 model bills, five of which were adopted. 

“That’s not only the research,” Akina said. “That’s also communication, education, [and] talking with legislators and their staff. Our team did a wonderful job.”

That team in the halls of the Capitol was led by Ted Kefalas, Grassroot director of strategic campaigns, who also was one of the featured speakers at the legislative wrap-up events.

Kefalas said the five bills that were passed:

>> Defined inclusionary zoning as an affordability impact fee.

>> Raised the homebuilding exemption threshold from the school impact fee to under 500 units.

>> Clarified the liability limits on self-certification permitting.

>> Allowed accessory dwelling units up to 800 square feet on agricultural land.

>> Exempted natural hair braiders from licensing.

He said the farm ADU and hair braider bills have been signed by Gov. Green, while the three housing-reform bills are currently on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

Joe Kent, Grassroot executive vice president, was also one of the featured speakers at the well-attended Grassroot legislative wrap-up events. 

To hear more of what Akina, Kefalas and Kent had to say at the Kahului gathering — including in response to questions from the audience — click on the video image below.

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Grassroot weighs in on county issues

State lawmakers meet for only a few months each year, but there’s always something going on at Hawaii’s four county council’s — and Grassroot is often there to support or oppose certain bills, or to offer helpful suggestions. Grassroot’s most recently submitted testimonies are below.

Honolulu County

>> Bill 18 (2026), CD1 — “Grassroot supports changes to Bill 7 affordable housing program”

>> Bill 30 (2026), CD1 — “Farmers markets in city parks would lower barriers to entrepreneurship”

>> Bill 40 (2026) — “Allow affordable housing buyers to immediately claim property tax relief”

Maui County

>> Bill 78, CD1 (2026) — “Maui County should allow two ADUs on all residential lots”

>> Bill 73 (2026) — “Standardize Maui County grant applications to improve transparency”