New report details 7 ways to cut Hawaii’s building-permit delays

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii proposals are intended to help speed up permitting and relieve the Aloha State’s housing crisis

News release from Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, October 29, 2024

HONOLULU, Oct. 29, 2024 >> The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii released a policy brief today detailing seven ways to help relieve one of Hawaii’s most persistent homebuilding headaches and a major contributor to the state’s housing crisis: building-permit delays.

Titled “Seven low-cost ways to speed up permitting in Hawaii,” and written by Grassroot policy researcher Jonathan Helton, the brief recommends that state and county policymakers:

>> Allow preapproved building plans.

>> Exempt basic projects that do not pose major safety risks.

>> Streamline the approval process for solar-related projects.

>> Grandfather dwellings built without permits.

>> Allow third-party approvals of certain permits.

>> Adopt “shot clocks” whereby applicants with delayed permits could receive fee reductions or even automatic approvals.

>> Reduce building permit fees.

In a foreword to the brief, Grassroot President and CEO Keli’i Akina writes: “Individually, these proposals might seem like small fixes. But together, they have the potential to lower one of the biggest roadblocks to Hawaii homebuilding — for builders, entrepreneurs, homeowners and renters alike — and help make Hawaii a place where we all can thrive and prosper.”

Copies of the brief can be ​downloaded for free from the Grassroot website >>> here <<<.

Later this week, Grassroot is hosting two luncheon events based on the recommendations in its new permitting report — one in Hilo on Wednesday Oct. 30, and the other in Honolulu on Friday, Nov. 1.

The featured speakers at both luncheons will be Grassroot staffers Akina, Joe Kent and Ted Kefalas, while also on hand for the Honolulu event will be Honolulu City Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and Ted Peck, president of Holu Hou Energy. 

For reservations or more information concerning the luncheon events, please click here or contact Sean Mitsui at 808-864-1776 or info@grassrootinstitute.org. 

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