HI HB2140

Establishes a voluntary five-year county pilot program (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030) to improve permit processing speed and accountability through staffing incentives and interdepartmental competition.

Allows county mayors to designate "essential permitting positions" that receive a minimum 15% salary differential, with flexibility to increase the differential above 15% for recruitment and retention purposes.

Requires participating counties to make conditional job offers to qualified essential permitting position candidates within 14 days of interview and prioritize filling these positions over other vacancies.

Establishes performance-based financial awards of at least 3% of annual salary for designated employees when agencies achieve milestone goals for reducing permit review times or increasing throughput.

Requires each participating county to designate a countywide permitting program coordinator to oversee workflow, resolve bottlenecks, and submit annual reports to the legislature with recommendations.