The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) launched its new building permitting software, HNL Build, on Monday, August 4th, 2025, promising to streamline the building permit process and improve efficiency for residential and commercial builders, property owners, and planning professionals Hawaii Free Press. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing backlog of applications that has plagued the DPP, leading to delays that have frustrated developers and homeowners alike Civil Beat.
The new system, designed to replace the decades-old POSSE platform, aims to bring greater consistency, transparency, and efficiency to the public's interaction with the department Yahoo. HNL Build requires applicants to upload all necessary documents upfront, eliminating delays and creating a smoother experience for both applicants and DPP staff Yahoo. The system enables online submissions for various applications, including site development, coastal, zoning, and planning permits, streamlining the entire process.
Beyond HNL Build, the DPP is also planning to launch CivCheck later this year, a tool designed to help applicants ensure their plans meet DPP standards before submission, further reducing review cycles Aloha State Daily. This proactive approach, with the aim of catching issues early, will lighten staff's workload and expedite permit issuance. The transition will also see the current POSSE and ePlans systems go offline.
The implementation of this new software is expected to have a considerable positive impact on the real estate and development landscape in Honolulu. Faster permit approvals will translate to quicker project timelines, reduced costs, and increased investment in the local economy. This is a welcome development for local entrepreneurs, investors, and construction professionals striving to navigate Hawaii's often complex regulatory environment. Businesses that rely on swift permit approvals, such as construction companies and real estate developers, stand to benefit the most from these improvements.
