HI SB2671

Authorizes county mayors to establish a five-year pilot program (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031) to improve permit processing speed through targeted staffing, performance incentives, and interdepartmental competition.

Allows mayors to designate "essential permitting positions" in permit review and processing departments, with employees receiving a minimum 15% differential payment on their salary to aid recruitment and retention.

Requires personnel departments to prioritize hiring for essential permitting positions and make conditional job offers within 14 days of candidate interviews.

Establishes milestone-based financial awards of at least 3% of annual salary for designated employees when agencies achieve specific permitting efficiency goals, such as reduced review times.

Requires each participating county to designate a countywide permitting program coordinator and submit quarterly progress reports to county councils and annual reports to the legislature.