HI SR172

Requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to convene a working group addressing state projects requiring county building permits, with the Comptroller serving as chair.

During 2022-2023, over 90% of state building permit applications to Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting took more than 180 days to approve, averaging approximately 600 days—roughly six times longer than private sector approvals.

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

The 14-member working group would include state legislators, representatives from multiple state agencies (Transportation, Education, Land and Natural Resources, Housing, Health, Energy), and one representative from each county planning and permitting department.

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