New tools promise to give applicants faster feedback on their plans.

The permitting director says her employees are underpaid. But the mayor has not tried to negotiate raises for plan reviewers, saying there’s more to the problem than pay.

Permit review times at the troubled permitting office are worse than before, but the department has taken steps to improve its processes. 

A business owner is at odds with the city over a key question: What can agricultural land be used for?  

Construction industry professionals say it’s taking longer than ever to get a permit in Honolulu. The delays disrupt lives and put a drag on the economy.  

A Civil Beat analysis raises questions about the fairness of wide disparities in how fast permits get approved. Bribery, political influence, people skills and other factors help determine a permit application’s speed.