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4. Evaluation: Special considerations for low-income permitting fees should be discussed to <br /> increase applicants and potentially reduce non-permitted dwellings. Fees are based on <br /> valuation. Low-income type of permits are generally low in valuation. The current fee <br /> structure charges permit fees based on Chapter 5, Article 7, of the Hawai`i County Code. <br /> For a$100k value, the fee would be $101 for review and$505 for the permit. <br /> Conclusion: This would generate a growth in the housing development across the County <br /> and potentially reduce the number of non-permitted structures. DPW is currently <br /> evaluating a fee reduction;however, it is not in place. <br /> Effectiveness of the EPIC system <br /> 1. Evaluation: Permit applicants are limitedin their oversight of their permit. This creates <br /> frustrations and delays in the permit process. Applicants often approach each department <br /> with their frustrations taking time away from staff resources that could be working on <br /> permits.EPIC kiosks are limited and not easily accessible to the public. <br /> Conclusion: Consider installing EPIC kiosks across the County, including in or near the <br /> County permitting depaittnent for applicants to track approval processes and notifications <br /> of potential short comings in their permit. <br /> 2. Evaluation: The permitting process often experiences delays due to errors.When errors <br /> are found,they further delay the approval process. Often the public seeks resolution at the <br /> individual departments causing frustrations and interruptions in County workers' offices. <br /> An easy to use and singular complaint systems appears to not be established in the <br /> County. <br /> Conclusion: As part of the EPIC system, develop a complaint submission system. <br /> Designate a single source to handle complaints as to not burden the departments. Provide <br /> updates in EPIC for applicants to track their complaints and receive feedback. Provide <br /> services for the public to have questions answered. EPIC should be utilized for Q&A, <br /> email submission on the County site should be available, weekly classes should be <br /> available to speak with someone, and a phone hotline should be provided and answered <br /> by someone to support a 24-hour turnaround to the public. <br /> 3. Evaluation: Common errors in the permit process are not being communicated to <br /> submitters, further delaying the permit approval process. The County resources are <br /> limited in what they are able to provide to the public and contractors. <br /> Conclusion: Establish public training tools for the common errors found in the permitting <br /> delay process. Have applicants complete a checklist with hyperlinked training for <br /> common errors to ensure compliance and reduction in permitting delays.Establish a <br /> support training web page on the County site that is easy to use for the public. Consider <br /> providing a regular instructional class put on by a County employee for permit applicants <br /> to attend. The class could include a short review of the permit for common errors to <br /> expedite the process and build trust in the system. <br /> 8 <br /> 2022 Cost of Government Commission—County of Hawai'i -Final Report <br />