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named SPEED to simplify the building permit process statewide amidst challenges such as significant staff vacancies and outdated systems.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.
Task Force Created to Streamline Building Permit Process in Hawaii
In a significant move to boost construction and economic development across the state, the Hawaii Legislature has formed a 34-member task force aimed at simplifying the building permit process statewide. This initiative, which is named Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED), recently held its inaugural meeting at the state Capitol, marking the beginning of efforts to address pressing challenges in the permit approval system.
Staffing Challenges Hinder Permit Approvals
The task force was initiated in response to the growing concerns over significant staff vacancies in agencies responsible for processing permits, which have resulted in delays and inefficiencies. Currently, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has 14 out of 33 positions for commercial property permits and six out of 32 positions for residential permits unfilled. This shortage is largely attributed to low salaries, which are reportedly 30% or more below federal levels according to DPP Director Dawn Apuna.
Moreover, Maui County’s Department of Public Works also faces challenges, with five out of 14 positions for building permits vacant, showcasing a broader trend across various counties. While Hawaii island and Kauai reported similar staffing issues, their vacancies were less pronounced.
Task Force Composition and Funding
The newly formed task force comprises officials from multiple state and county agencies, in addition to representatives from the construction and real estate industries. The task force is backed by a budget of $200,000 intended for staff and administrative costs over a two-year span, set to conclude on June 30, 2027. Their primary focus is on simplifying an overly complex permitting process, which currently sees permit applications going through reviews between two to five times, often due to submission inadequacies.
Proposed Improvements to Permitting Process
Among the potential reforms the task force is considering is the adjustment of building code update cycles, extending them from every three years to every six years. By undertaking this change, the task force aims to reduce the number and frequency of applications that require resubmission.
To enhance compliance, Hawaii County’s Department of Public Works plans to implement AI-driven software called CivCheck, which is designed to improve code compliance for applicants. The DPP has also introduced a new online permitting platform named HNL Build. This platform will facilitate quicker applications and enable online credit card payments, ultimately replacing an outdated permitting system that had caused backlogs for over 26 years.
Assessing the Impact of Recent Changes
Following these changes, the average time for issuing permits in Hawaii County has been notably decreased to less than two months since the establishment of the permitting task force. However, county officials have acknowledged that new legislative and county regulations have heightened permit workloads, necessitating further examination into the overall permitting framework.
Focus Groups to Address Key Issues
The task force has initiated three focus groups dedicated to deeply analyzing issues related to building permits, state health department reviews, and wastewater system approvals, with the expectation of receiving recommendations by January. Some officials express that the solution to Hawaii’s housing crisis may require comprehensive reform of permitting regulations rather than merely focusing on staff shortages or software updates.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the SPEED task force in Hawaii?
The SPEED task force aims to simplify the building permit process statewide to boost construction and economic development.
What are some challenges faced in the permit approval process?
Significant staff vacancies in agencies responsible for permit processing hinder timely approvals, with many positions currently unfilled due to low salaries.
How many positions in the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting are currently vacant?
The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has 14 out of 33 positions for commercial property permits and six out of 32 for residential permits vacant.
What budget has the task force allocated for its initiatives?
The task force has a budget of $200,000 for staff and administrative costs over two years, concluding on June 30, 2027.
What is CivCheck?
CivCheck is an AI-driven software that Hawaii County’s Department of Public Works aims to implement to enhance code compliance for permit 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
Author: Construction TX News
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