How to Apply for a Permit to Rebuild After the Kona Low Storms
Board Member Erica Lehmkuhl shared: given the quantity of these damaged properties, it seemed good to share the latest permitting instructions as of April 7, 2026, from the DPP to apply for a repair building permit. Go to this site to enter a building permit; and register as a 'Citizen Account'.
https://honolulu.my.site.com/s/login/SelfRegister
Basically, an application has to be entered into the new HNL Build permit system...Requires generating a 'user account' following the prompts on several screens.
The steps are:
1. Log into your HNL Build account
If you have an HNL Build account, please sign in. If you don’t have an HNL Build account, click here for instructions on how to create one.
2. Permit Selection
Please select your permit type. Note: If the type of work you are performing would normally qualify for a Quick Permit, please select Building Permit Application instead. This ensures our team can thoroughly review your specific scope of work.
3. Label Your Project
If this first permit you are applying for is related to the Kona low, check the “New Project” box and enter “Kona Low Rebuild” as the project name.
If you are applying for additional permits, continue to use the same “Kona Low Rebuild” project each time. Do not create a new project.
4. Submission Page
Proceed with your application until you reach the Submission Requests page. If your project does not require formal plans, please upload photos of the property damage instead. This fulfills the system’s upload requirement and allows you to complete your submission in HNL Build. If our staff believe your project does need plans, they will contact you.
5. Notify DPP
After submitting your application, send an email to [email protected]. Include your application number and state that the repairs are due to the Kona Low. Our team will then add your permit to our priority list for faster review.
Generally, the items that triggers the need for plans to be prepared are;
If you are in a Flood Zone
If your property is in a Special Management Area
If your property is a Shoreline property subject to the Shoreline Set Back of 60 feet
If your property is classed as 'Non Conforming' in any way
If your property has sustained sever damage...but, this is open to interpretation by the DPP not you.
If your property has a cess pool
If your property has sustained broken utilities on your property; this often requires others to approve your repairs; these can include: HECO, Board of Water Supply, and Waste Water.
https://honolulu.my.site.com/s/login/SelfRegister
Basically, an application has to be entered into the new HNL Build permit system...Requires generating a 'user account' following the prompts on several screens.
The steps are:
1. Log into your HNL Build account
If you have an HNL Build account, please sign in. If you don’t have an HNL Build account, click here for instructions on how to create one.
2. Permit Selection
Please select your permit type. Note: If the type of work you are performing would normally qualify for a Quick Permit, please select Building Permit Application instead. This ensures our team can thoroughly review your specific scope of work.
3. Label Your Project
If this first permit you are applying for is related to the Kona low, check the “New Project” box and enter “Kona Low Rebuild” as the project name.
If you are applying for additional permits, continue to use the same “Kona Low Rebuild” project each time. Do not create a new project.
4. Submission Page
Proceed with your application until you reach the Submission Requests page. If your project does not require formal plans, please upload photos of the property damage instead. This fulfills the system’s upload requirement and allows you to complete your submission in HNL Build. If our staff believe your project does need plans, they will contact you.
5. Notify DPP
After submitting your application, send an email to [email protected]. Include your application number and state that the repairs are due to the Kona Low. Our team will then add your permit to our priority list for faster review.
Generally, the items that triggers the need for plans to be prepared are;
If you are in a Flood Zone
If your property is in a Special Management Area
If your property is a Shoreline property subject to the Shoreline Set Back of 60 feet
If your property is classed as 'Non Conforming' in any way
If your property has sustained sever damage...but, this is open to interpretation by the DPP not you.
If your property has a cess pool
If your property has sustained broken utilities on your property; this often requires others to approve your repairs; these can include: HECO, Board of Water Supply, and Waste Water.