2022 Report of the Cost of Government Commission

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initial areas of concern. DPW responded (Appendix B), noting a separate consultant contract seeking a similar assessment of the permitting process. With the current assessment in place, the PIG's ability to provide a complete assessment was limited as we did not want to interfere with, or overlap, the consultant's tasks. Accordingly, we significantly pared down the extent of our work as reflected in the following information, which may conflict with the eventual consultant review or already being pursued by DPW. The Commissioners appreciated the consideration of the departments to participate in the gathering of information while determining areas for improvement. EVALUATIONS & CONCLUSIONS The Commissioners conducted an evaluation of the building permitting process to determine how to incorporate efficiency and alterations in the process. The focus was on several areas: the permitting process, the effectiveness of the EPIC system, public education, and oversight of the entirety of the program. Permitting Process Evaluation: The permitting process was reviewed to determine faster permitting response times for smaller scope projects and the consideration for potential provisional permits to further reduce construction delays and permitting backlogs. The only current code reference to temporary permits is for temporary structures in Section 5-1-5 of the Hawaii County Code (2016 Edition, as amended). "Permit" means a formal authorization issued by the authority having jurisdiction that authorizes performance of specified work, pursuant to the construction code[.]" Must "formal authorization" only mean a final permit? Why can't formal authorization also allow for interim permitting under carefully stipulated rules? There are numerous architects, engineers, designers, contractors with professional credentials or licenses whose submittals are, with few exceptions, absent significant non-compliance with codes. Many are already on the County's pre -qualified consultant list. Yet they are subject to the same over -restrictive, detailed reviews as all other applicants. A responsible system where, upon arrival of pre -qualified applicant submittals, the applications are reviewed for completeness and cleared by Planning, then issued a provisional permit. Conclusion: Having a conditional permitting process for qualified persons would greatly expedite construction starts, save applicants money with faster completions, minimize labor and materials cost increases, and provide many related benefits. Applicants would assume all risks and penalties. They would still have to make adjustments/changes based on County reviews throughout and until reviews are completed, with construction/installation halted for significant health and safety issues. Such permits would still be subject to code compliance and completion of plans review. Additionally, consider time limitations and fee refunds when the permitting process is delayed. The scope of the permit should be taken into consideration during review. Smaller scope permits seem to be taking just as long, if not longer, than full new building permits. Consider separating out permits into the different scopes to expedite approvals. For example, have a foundation only permit so the contractor can start on the excavation and footings, etc. Or separate out wall permits since those are typically done first. The risk 6 2022 Cost of Govemment Commission —County of Hawai'i - Final Report