The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, led by President Keli'i Akina, has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 Templeton Freedom Award, presented annually by the Atlas Network. The award honors organizations for their innovative contributions to economic freedom and human progress. The news underscores the Institute's ongoing efforts to promote individual liberty, economic freedom, and limited, accountable government within the state.
"This Thanksgiving, I thought a lot about the familiar phrase 'Lucky we live Hawaii,'" Akina shared, reflecting on the honor. Hawaii Reporter reported Akina's sentiments, emphasizing the value of living and working in Hawaii. The Grassroot Institute's initiatives include producing policy research aimed at lowering the cost of living, expanding opportunities, and fostering prosperity for all residents. Their work has been instrumental in shaping policy debates and advocating for practical solutions to benefit the local business community.
One of the noteworthy projects of the Grassroot Institute is their push to remove barriers to Hawaii's prosperity. This aligns with the Institute’s mission to provide best-practices research that supports a thriving economic environment. This also includes advocating for regulatory changes that reduce burdens on local businesses and encourage economic growth. A recent article on the Grassroot Institute's website discusses this approach, highlighting the case against school impact fees as an illustrative example of their policy focus. To further support their mission, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is dedicated to research, with past publications advocating for business-friendly reforms and tax cuts.
The Atlas Network's selection process involves recognizing organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing economic freedom. This year's finalists, as detailed in an Atlas Network article, also include organizations from Ukraine, Burundi, Spain, Bulgaria, and Lebanon, underscoring the global impact of the initiative. The winner of the Templeton Freedom Award will receive a $100,000 grand prize, with runners-up receiving $20,000.
For Hawaii's entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, this recognition of the Grassroot Institute symbolizes a commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment. By focusing on policy research and advocacy, the Institute aims to foster a landscape where businesses can flourish and residents can enjoy a higher quality of life.
