Grassroot Institute proposes expedited permitting for housing shortage relief

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is proposing seven low-cost ways to expedite housing construction in Hawaiʻi.

The institute released a policy brief written by Grassroot policy researcher Jonathan Helton. The aim is to relief one of Hawaiʻi’s “most persistent homebuilding headaches: building-permit delays, which are a major contributor to the state’s housing crisis,” according to the institute.

The brief recommends that state and county policymakers:

• Allow pre-approved building plans.
• Exempt basic projects that do not pose major safety risks.
• Streamline the approval process for solar-related projects.
• Grandfather dwellings built without permits.
• Allow third-party approvals of certain permits.
• Adopt “shot clocks” whereby applicants with delayed permits could receive fee reductions or even automatic approvals.
• Reduce building permit fees.

Maui Now reached out to Maui County on Tuesday morning for comment, but there was no response.

In a foreword to the brief, Grassroot President and Chief Executive Officer Keli’i Akina says: “Individually, these proposals might seem like small fixes. But together, they have the potential to lower one of the biggest roadblocks to Hawaiʻi homebuilding — for builders, entrepreneurs, homeowners and renters alike — and help make Hawaiʻi a place where we all can thrive and prosper.”

Copies of the brief can be downloaded from the Grassroot website.

Later this week, Grassroot is hosting luncheon events Wednesday in Hilo and Friday in Honolulu.

Featured speakers at both luncheons will be Grassroot staffers Akina, Joe Kent and Ted Kefalas, while also on hand for the Honolulu event will be Honolulu City Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and Ted Peck, president of Holu Hou Energy. 

For reservations or more information concerning the luncheon events, click here, or contact Sean Mitsui at 808-864-1776 or info@grassrootinstitute.org.