June 23, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
Honolulu Hale
To: Honolulu City Council Committee on Housing, Homelessness and Parks
Andria Tupola, Chair
Augie Tulba, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: Bill 30 (2026), CD1 — RELATING TO PUBLIC PARKS
Aloha Chair Tupola, Vice Chair Tulba and other members of the Committee,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports Bill 30 (2026), CD1, which would allow farmers markets and food distribution events hosted by nonprofit organizations to operate in city parks with a permit from the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.
Farmers markets and most other commercial activities are not currently allowed within city parks. Certain recreational activities, such as camping and sports leagues, can use park facilities with a permit, and this legislation would add farmers markets and food distribution events hosted by nonprofits to the list.
Selling food or homemade wares at a farmers market is a low-cost, low-risk way for people to turn an idea into a business. This measure would give more Oahu residents the opportunity to start up small businesses and participate in the tourism industry.
Grassroot welcomes this and other legislation that would lower barriers to entrepreneurship.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Ted Kefalas
Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
1050 Bishop St. #508 | Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-864-1776 | info@grassrootinstitute.org
