HI SCR177

Requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to convene a working group to address permitting delays for state building projects that require county approval.

Over 90% of state building permit applications to Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting during 2022-2023 took longer than 180 days, with average approval time of approximately 600 days—six times longer than private sector applications.

Permitting delays increased state project costs by more than $30 million over a two-year period due to inflation, affecting projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

The 14-member working group would include state officials from DAGS, DLNR, DOT, DOE, UH, and housing/energy agencies, plus legislators and representatives from each county's planning and permitting department.

The working group must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2028 Regular Session.