HILO, Hawaii — Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth signed Bill 84 into law on Friday that amends the Hawaii County Code simplifying the county’s construction code permitting process.

What You Need To Know

  • The purpose of the ordinance is to align construction projects with current safety standards while simplifying and standardizing the timing aspects for construction code permits

  • Council Chair Heather Kimball said Bill 84 removed language that was “ambiguous, discretionary or not aligned with its purpose” resulting in a streamlined procedure she hopes the public will find easy to understand and follow

  • “With inflation on the rise, this bill also helps homeowners and lenders have a bright line of understanding on approval timelines,” added Councilmember Lee Loy

It effectively “standardizes application timelines, extensions and expirations to align with updated construction code standards mandated by state law,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office.

"We've dedicated ourselves to fixing the building permitting process for our residents, and this bill is a significant step in achieving that goal,” said Roth in the release.

“Recognizing the challenges posed by factors such as COVID-19 and subsequent inflation, we aim to alleviate prolonged building processes and burdens on local homebuilders. The bill establishes a structured and time-sensitive framework for permit applications, expirations, and extensions to streamline the process and provide clarity on timelines, conditions, and limits.”

The purpose of the ordinance is to align construction projects with current safety standards while simplifying and standardizing the timing aspects for construction code permits. According to the release, the ordinance:

  • Introduces a 180-day timeline from application submission to obtaining a permit and outlines provisions for extensions and the process for restarting an application if abandoned.
  • Standardizes permit expiration, setting a six-year expiration period for permits issued after Aug. 17, 2020, outlining conditions and steps upon expiration.
  • Addresses permit extensions, specifying circumstances for granting extensions and setting a limit of one extension for 180 days.

“When drafting this bill with the Department of Public Works, we revisited the fundamental purpose of building codes and their timelines: ensuring the safety of the building in our community,” said Council Chair Heather Kimball.

Kimball added that Bill 84 removed language that was “ambiguous, discretionary or not aligned with its purpose” resulting in a streamlined procedure she hopes the public will find easy to understand and follow.

“With inflation on the rise, this bill also helps homeowners and lenders have a bright line of understanding on approval timelines,” added Councilmember Lee Loy.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.