The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Honolulu Charter Commission on Jan. 12, 2026.
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Jan. 12, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
Honolulu Hale
To: Honolulu Charter Commission
Dawn Szewczyk, Chair
Sommerset Yamamoto, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: P065 — RELATING TO A COST OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
Aloha Chair Szewczyk, Vice-Chair Yamamoto and other members of the Commission,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports P065, which would create a Cost of Government Commission.
This seven-member, volunteer commission would have the authority to review city personnel costs, property taxes, contracts, procurement policies and travel budgets with the aim of reducing the cost of city government while maintaining a reasonable level of public services.
Grassroot believes that a commission dedicated to evaluating Honolulu City and County spending would help improve fiscal oversight and promote responsible use of public funds.
Honolulu is the only county in the state without a Cost of Government Commission. Kaua’i County has a Cost Control Commission that is explicitly intended to “reduce the cost of county government while maintaining a reasonable level of public services.”[1]
Similarly, Maui and Hawai‘i counties have their own cost-of-government commissions dedicated to the prudent and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.[2]
These commissions serve as independent bodies that conduct reviews of county spending and operations, identify opportunities for cost savings and make recommendations to enhance government efficiency.
The proposed Honolulu Cost of Government Commission would be required to compile an annual report summarizing any recommendations it might have regarding eliminating or reducing city programs or services.
Its report would be completed at the end of each calendar year, giving the mayor and County Council time to include relevant recommendations into the budget planning process.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Ted Kefalas
Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
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[1] “The Charter of the County of Kauai,” Article XXVIII, 2022, p. 57.
[2] “Cost of Government Commission,” County of Maui, accessed June 24, 2025; “Cost of Government Commission,” County of Hawaii, accessed June 24, 2025.
