Hawaii, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Hawaii Legislature has initiated a task force named SPEED to simplify the building permit process statewide amidst challenges such as significant staff vacancies and outdated systems. The 34-member team aims to enhance economic development by improving permit efficiency while addressing staffing issues, including low salaries in agencies processing permits. With a budget of $200,000, the task force is considering updates to building codes and implementing new technology to streamline operations and reduce approval times.
Hawaii Task Force Aims to Simplify Statewide Building Permit Process Amid Staffing Challenges
The Hawaii Legislature has taken a significant step by establishing a 34-member task force to streamline the building permit process across the state. This initiative is designed to enhance construction activities and stimulate economic development. The task force, aptly named Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED), convened for its inaugural meeting at the state Capitol.
One of the primary challenges facing this permit simplification effort is the shortage of qualified staff in several state agencies tasked with processing permits. In the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), there are currently 14 vacant positions out of 33 dedicated to commercial property permits and six out of 32 for residential permits. This critical shortage has made timely permit approvals increasingly difficult.
DPP Director Dawn Apuna noted that attracting potential applicants is challenged by low salaries, which are reportedly more than 30% below federal wage levels. Similar issues have arisen in Maui County’s Department of Public Works, which has five out of 14 positions for building permits vacant and also struggles to find qualified applicants. While representatives from Hawaii Island and Kauai reported fewer vacancies, they too face staffing challenges.
The task force comprises members from various state and county agencies and includes representatives from the construction and real estate sectors. It has been allocated a budget of $200,000 for staff and administrative costs over the next two years, with the aim of making progress by June 30, 2027. The major objective of this initiative is to simplify a complex permitting process, which has been hampered by issues such as subpar quality submissions from applicants.
Proposed changes to the building permit process include extending the building code update intervals from every three years to every six years. Traditionally, permit applications go through multiple reviews—typically two to five times—largely due to the inadequacies found in the applications submitted by homeowners and contractors.
To address these challenges, Hawaii County’s Department of Public Works is working on improving its permit processing through the introduction of AI-driven software named CivCheck, aimed at enhancing code compliance for applicants. Meanwhile, DPP has launched a new online permitting system called HNL Build that is designed to simplify the application process and facilitate online credit card payments. This new system is a much-needed upgrade, replacing a 26-year-old system that had contributed to significant backlogs.
Encouragingly, statistics indicate that the average time for issuing permits in Hawaii County has dropped to less than two months since the formation of a permitting task force. Many county officials have acknowledged the pressures that new legislative and county regulations have placed on permit workloads.
Some officials believe that resolving the housing crisis requires comprehensive reforms of the permitting regulations, extending beyond mere staffing increases or software updates. To investigate these issues further, the task force has established three focus groups dedicated to topics such as building permits, reviews by the state health department, and wastewater system approvals. Recommendations from these focus groups are expected to be made available by January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the newly established task force in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Legislature has established a 34-member task force to simplify the building permit process statewide, aimed at boosting construction and economic development.
What challenges is the Hawaii state permit process currently facing?
Significant staff vacancies in agencies involved in permit processing hinder the capacity for timely permit approvals.
How many positions are currently vacant in the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting for commercial and residential permits?
The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) currently has 14 out of 33 positions for commercial property permits and 6 out of 32 for residential permits vacant.
What budget has been allocated to the task force and over what period?
The task force has a budget of $200,000 for staff and administrative costs over two years, concluding on June 30, 2027.
What innovative technology is Hawaii County planning to implement to improve its permit processing?
Hawaii County’s Department of Public Works aims to improve the permit process by implementing AI-driven software, CivCheck, to enhance code compliance for applicants.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- The Garden Island
- Wikipedia: Hawaii
- Hawaii News Now
- Google Search: Hawaii building permits
- Big Island Now
- Google Scholar: Hawaii building permits
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hawaii building permits
- Star Advertiser
- Google News: Hawaii building permits
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