The coast isn’t clear, it’s covered in red tape

by Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., President / CEO, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii,

Hawaii and California differ greatly in many ways, but they have plenty in common — including great weather and notoriously bad permitting systems.

It’s easy to joke about the absurdity of bureaucratic dysfunction. But the consequences when disaster strikes are no laughing matter. Just ask comedian Adam Carolla, who has been vocal about the regulations blocking homeowners from rebuilding after California’s 2025 Palisades fire.

The outspoken podcaster is usually quick with a quip, whether he’s talking about political bumper stickers on Teslas or flying during the COVID pandemic.

His interview show, which features guests as varied as Jerry Seinfeld, Meghan Kelly and Bjorn Lomborg, is part of the wave of new media that is changing the face of political commentary. It’s funny and irreverent while also being honest, which is probably why it’s so popular.

Carolla brings that same unfiltered honesty to California’s struggle to recover. In this video, he travels to Malibu 18 months after the fires to show viewers how little progress has been made toward rebuilding the beachside homes that were destroyed.

If any of this reminds you of the difficulties we’ve seen in rebuilding Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires, you’re not alone.

In fact, that’s one of the reasons my Grassroot Institute colleagues invited Carolla to speak during our 25th Anniversary Gala coming up Sept. 4 at the Sheraton Waikiki.

In addition to delivering an entertaining keynote address, Carolla plans to help bring more attention to the bureaucratic foot-dragging that has hampered Lahaina’s recovery — just as he has for Malibu.

If you have already reserved your spot, I can’t wait to celebrate with you. It’s not every day Grassroot marks 25 years with one of the country's most popular comedic commentators. We have plenty of reasons to criticize bad government in Hawaii and California, but at least we can laugh about them together.

Tickets are nearly sold out, so if you haven’t already secured yours, don’t wait any longer. Just click the button below.

I hope you can join us as we honor our roots, look to the future and shine a Hollywood spotlight on these critical issues.

E hana kākou! (Let’s work together!)