To that end, DPP says it will officially launch new permitting software Aug. 4 to streamline the city’s site development, zoning and planning applications.
The new system, called HNL Build, will replace the decades-old POSSE platform.
To prepare for that transition, the current POSSE and ePlans systems will go of line at the close of business on Monday, July 28. DPP warns permitting services will be unavailable during this period.
Any applications or processes already in progress as of July 28 will automatically transfer to the new system with their current status preserved, DPP states.
Building permit applicants planning to submit around this time are encouraged to wait until HNL Build goes live on Aug. 4 to take advantage of the system’s new and improved features, DPP said.
Built on the Salesforce platform and implemented by Speridian, DPP says HNL Build represents progress.
“This system will bring greater consistency, transparency, and efficiency to the way the public interacts with the department, enhancing services for residential and commercial builders, property owners, and planning professionals alike, ” DPP spokesperson Davis Pitner said.
He noted one of the “main contributors to the permit backlog was incomplete applications, often due to missing forms or unaddressed corrections.”
“HNL Build helps eliminate these delays by requiring applicants to upload all necessary documents before moving forward in the application process, ” Pitner said. “This will create a smoother, more efficient experience for both applicants and DPP staff, which will result in faster permit approvals.”
“In addition to building permits, HNL Build is enabling online submissions of all types of applications currently facilitated by DPP including site development permits, coastal permits, zoning permits, planning applications, licenses and other types of approvals, ” he said. “Applicants will be able to track the status of all of their applications through HNL Build through a single login.”
Also, “applications can be shared with other stakeholders such as owners, contractors, plan makers and engineers so everyone will have full visibility of status and comments, ” he added.
Currently, DPP states in fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, residential permits were obtained by applicants in 364 days on average, while commercial permits were received in 436 days on average.
“It’s important to note that the total average duration includes time spent with other departments, time spent with the applicant, and multiple review cycles, ” Pitner explained. “The number of cycles can increase the more times an applicant has to make corrections. As a result, the overall wait time may be longer, but this isn’t necessarily due to delays on DPP’s part.”
DPP asserts HNL Build will curb future permitting delays.
“The application process will provide more guidance that will ensure the applicant is submitting all required information and documents before they can complete their application, which will reduce time going back and forth with DPP staff before a review can begin, ” Pitner said.
And he added, “the application process will be transparent so applicants and owners are able to see where in the review process they are, reducing uncertainty and confusion.”
“They will be immediately notified if there are any actions required by them such as fee payment, document submissions, addressing plan review comments, etcetera, that can reduce the time the applications are with the applicant, ” he said.
To help users navigate the new platform, DPP will also release a series of tutorial videos ahead of the launch. Videos will be available on DPP’s YouTube channel and website, approximately one week before HNL Build goes live.
“As with anything new, there will be a learning curve for everyone at the start, ” Pitner said. “However, we anticipate that as applicants become more familiar with the process, they will find the software easier to use and better for managing their permit applications.”
DPP selected Clariti / Speridian in December 2023, and began implementation of the software in March 2024.
To pay for the new system, Pitner said DPP is tapping about $5.4 million from the city’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, or FRF, program to cover the initial three years of the project. “This includes software licensing, implementation services, and tax, ” he added.
Ultimately, DPP states it’s committed to making technology changes that benefit the public at large.
“The success of HNL Build is a result of those that brought the system to this point, and those who embrace it and use it moving forward, ” DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said. “We greatly appreciate all those who have and will contribute to this monumental effort.”
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