HONOLULU — Two "monster houses" are on hold after the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting revoked building permits for both projects.

According to a news release, DPP also suspended Shih Jen Lin's third-party review privileges effective immediately. A review of the plans that Lin submitted for 4103 Pakolu Place and 2939 Kalei Road determined that they were not in compliance with Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, also known as the “monster home” ordinance. 

Lin is the second person who is registered with the agency as a third-party reviewer to have their registration suspended for approving plans that were in violation of the "monster homes" ordinance. 

Third-party reviewers are hired by owners/applicants to expedite their permit applications through the review process. These reviewers submit plans to the DPP for permitting and certify that the plans meet all building requirements; DPP does not review the plans.

“Third-party review is a privilege, not a right, and when the reviewers certify that plans comply with all codes and ordinances, we expect nothing less,” said DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna. “They are entrusted to perform at the highest level with diligent respect and implementation of the law. And, when they fail to properly review projects, particularly those that the community condemns, such as monster homes, they cannot continue as third-party reviewers.”