At about 7 :45 a.m., DPP officially launched its new permitting software meant to streamline the city’s site development, zoning and planning applications.
The new system, called HNL Build, replaces the decades-old POSSE platform. The POSSE and ePlans systems went offline at the close of business July 28.
All new applications or processes that were in progress as of July 28 were automatically transferred to the new system with their current status preserved, DPP states.
“As you can imagine, implementing a new software system after 27 years is a significant change for both applicants and staff,” DPP spokesperson Davis Pitner said. “That’s why we launched a dedicated page on our website a week before rollout, featuring video tutorials, step-by-step guides and (frequently asked questions).”
Users can access these resources at.
Built on the Salesforce platform and implemented by Speridian, DPP officials say HNL Build has launched largely without a hitch.
“It’s still early in the launch. However, things have gone smoothly for the most part,” Pitner added. “We have received calls from some users encountering issues with account creation, however, this is something that we expected and planned for.”
He also noted “some accounts in POSSE weren’t able to migrate over to HNL Build automatically during the integration. We had staff trained for this type of situation though, and they are connecting the accounts manually.”
Pitner added DPP has “received questions on the differences between a ‘citizen account’ and ‘business account’ when registering.”
This information is located on the registration page for applicants and also explained in DPP’s step-by-step guide and video tutorial, which says: — Citizen account is for homeowners or individuals applying for personal permits, such as home renovations, additions, or other projects. This account type allows customers to track applications, manage documents, and receive updates for personal projects. — Business account is designed for contractors, developers, or businesses managing projects. This account enables customers to handle multiple permits, manage larger construction projects, and collaborate with teams or subcontractors for all business-related construction activities. Business accounts also have the ability to have multiple contacts associated to them in order to handle employees.
According to Pitner, while the system’s interface is different, the process for applying for a City &County of Honolulu permit remains the same.
“You will still need to provide all the necessary plans and forms for your specific permit. However, this time we require that all documents be submitted upfront,” he said. “Our software ensures applicants cannot proceed in the permit process unless all required plans and forms are provided.
“This change was important because the majority of permitting delays stemmed from applicants not submitting necessary forms or failing to make required corrections in a timely manner,” he added.
HNL Build guides applicants every step of the way, Pitner said.
“It offers advanced tools, including a powerful new feature: GIS mapping integration,” he said. “When applying for a permit, users can navigate an interactive island map to locate and select a parcel. Once selected, the system provides key property information, such as flood zones, special districts, and any existing violations.”
In addition to building permits, HNL Build is enabling online submissions of all types of applications currently facilitated by the department, including site development permits, coastal permits, zoning permits, planning applications, licenses and other types of approvals, DPP officials said.
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, city officials say.
DPP asserts HNL Build will curb future permitting delays.
“They will be immediately notified if there are any actions required by them such as fee payment, document submissions, addressing plan review comments, et cetera, that can reduce the time the applications are with the applicant,” he said.
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 program to cover the initial three years of the project.
DPP officials vowed that they are 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 in a prior statement. “We greatly appreciate all those who have and will contribute to this monumental effort.”
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