HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0989.019 2018-2020 P/ PWHTC'
oil I III
It
, 1� Kona- Kohala
CA) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
July 6, 2020
COUNTY CLERK
Susan Lee Loy COUNTY OF HAWAIII
Member, Hawaii County Council RECEIVED
25 Aupuni Street Time 10414M By—m—
Hilo, Hl 96720 Date UL 0 6 2020
Re: Bill 179
Dear Chair Lee Loy and the Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit,
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce strongly supports improvements and efficiency
in the permitting process, especially as it pertains to the County of Hawaii procedures.
Our organization exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business
environment on the West side of Hawaii Island. As an organization with nearly 500 members,
we work to strengthen the local economy, represent business interest with government and
promote the well-being of our community.
Based on frequent and frustrating concerns from our members, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of
Commerce explored the issue of county permitting. In 2019, our leadership designated
Permitting as a top priority and formed a Permitting Task Force to focus efforts toward solutions.
This group of business owners, property managers, builders, architects and technical experts
have worked diligently to serve as a conduit to Hawaii County for community input on permitting
reform. We have met with representatives from the Public Works Department and Building
Division as well as County Council members and subject matter experts. Additionally, Permitting
Task Force members have worked with Hawai'i County administration to provide feedback for
EnerGov, a computer program designed to streamline the process.
On June 5, 2020, the Kona-Kohala Chamber submitted comments requested by the Public
Works Building Division regarding proposed amendments to the County's Building
Administrative Code, now Bill 179. We believe the overall effect of Bill 179 will be to begin to
streamline the permit application and plan review process by consolidating what are presently
separate permits from the existing chapters into a single permit. Our hope is that the adoption of
this new framework of the County's building and construction codes will ease the process of
updating future permitting enhancements on an ongoing basis.
We support Bill 179 as the next step in working toward accountability, predictability and
efficiency in the Hawaii County permitting system.
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Laros
Executive Director, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Comm. No.
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Ref. To:
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
808-329-1758 1 info@kona-kohala.com I www.kona-kohala.com Ref. to