Key facts
- Honolulu's new HNL Build software has reduced median residential permit wait times by 40% since August.
- Commercial permits now take longer, with median wait times increasing from 85 days to four months.
- The city spent $7.3 million on the new software, which replaced the POSSE system.
- Some staff initially found the transition difficult, but the system is now considered more stable.
- The effectiveness of HNL Build on large, complex capital development projects has yet to be tested.
Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has seen a significant reduction in wait times for residential building permits since implementing the new HNL Build software in August, a move that cost an estimated $7.3 million. The median time to obtain a residential permit has fallen by 40% to 2.5 months, down from four months previously. This improvement is a welcome sign after years of complaints about lengthy delays that impacted projects and property tax revenues.
However, the new system has not benefited commercial projects equally. Permits for businesses now take longer, with median wait times increasing from approximately three months to four months. DPP spokesman Davis Pitner cited the inherent complexity of commercial projects and ongoing challenges in filling engineering and electrician vacancies as reasons for the delays. The system's performance on large, complex capital development projects remains to be seen.
Despite some mixed reviews, including from architect Milan Heger who has not experienced noticeable improvements, the Association of Builders and Contractors reports that its members are seeing some positive changes. The DPP acknowledged early difficulties with the transition, describing them as 'growing pains,' and noted that an AI tool, CivCheck, is now used to pre-screen applications, though its use is optional. The department stated its focus is now on increasing the system's usability and efficiency based on user feedback.