New technology has not yet been able to “accelerate everything” as the mayor promised, but the permitting director is urging people to keep the faith.

The $7 million system, funded by city and federal funds, has had problems since it launched on Aug. 4. The mayor urged patience during the transition period.

Hawaiʻi needs more locally grown food, but plans for a vertical farm and aquaculture operation near Sunset Beach Park violate zoning rules and threaten the community character, critics say.

Developers of much-needed affordable housing are supposed to get permits approved or denied within three months. It’s taking far longer.

Applicants should start seeing a difference soon, the mayor says, thanks to new technology.

Mahalo to Mayor Rick Blangiardi for joining us to discuss new updates at the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.

The county says it’s doing its job faster, but that’s not yet translating to faster permits for property owners. 

The council acted in November 2023 to reduce a backlog of permit applications, but the program hasn’t launched yet.

Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama continue to renovate Oʻahu homes without proper permits even as their show seeks taxpayer subsidies. 

People have been waiting way too long for permits, with many applications literally taking years, but city data suggests the system is gaining speed.