HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0417.004 2020-2022 From: Construction -Calvin's Plumbing
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2021 12:57 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: FW:Written Testimony: Communication 417 (EPIC System Update w/DPW)
COUNTY CLERK
While after the fact... please see updated below COUNTY OF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
From:Construction-Calvin's Plumbing<construction@calvins lumbing eom> Time i2'
Sent: Monday,October 4, 202112:04 PM Date OCT 0 4 2021
To:Araceley, Relley<Relley.AraceleyChawaiicount . ov>
Subject:Written Testimony :Communication 417(EPIC System Update w/DPW)
Aloha:
Please accept the following testimony regarding the COH's new EPIC System:
I am a Project Engineer for Calvin's Plumbing Inc,a large plumbing contractor based in Kona,with work force around the
island.
As part of my job, I apply for all of our plumbing permits, request inspections,etc.
While we all anticipated a few'hiccups' with the new system, unfortunately,we were dependent upon the COH having their
act together so as to ensure a smooth transition.
Part of the problems seem to stem from the fact that the COH failed to clear out a backlog of several months prior to switching
over to the EPIC system... leaving all of those permit applications in limbo. Under the old system,a plumbing permit could be
applied with the information obtained from a building permit. We were then faced with all the old applications requiring much
more in the way of documentation submitted (even though plans had already been reviewed and approved for issuance of the
building permit),we are required to submit the same plans (and pay a nominal fee), in addition to a project declaration (having
been initially told by the head of planning that it wasn't required,and then finding out it was!), as well as an owner
declaration.
Then we find out from the clerks that everything in conjunction with these old applications has to be manually copied and
uploaded in to the EPIC system. We have five permit applications submitted prior to July 16 that have not yet even been
reviewed, and a non-residential project is stalled because of it.
New applications submitted under the EPIC system are held up as well... it took numerous phone calls to get PW.B2021-
000001 issued,six weeks after submission.
We have another permit application submitted August 4 that was designated to be completed by 9/18/21...and nothing has
occurred.
Yet,a residential application submitted on 9/17 was approved and issued on 9/20. Yet,for every application submitted,we
receive a notice that the application will be reviewed in the order received.........and that obviously is not the case.
Permit applications have not been processed for simple,one item permits... leaving homeowners without the necessary
backflow preventer that is required by the Dept of Water Supply,so that a water meter can be unlocked. Under the old
system,these permits were typically issued within 5-10 business days,yet, permit applications in the 300-600 number range
are still unreviewed.
There seems to be no rhyme nor reason as to how permit applications are reviewed,and once a review is started, no end date
as to when it will be completed.
Comm. No.
1 Ref. To: P Im M—
Ref. Dote 2021
Bottom line is, if the County of Hawaii was looking for a way to hamstring the construction industry,they have successfully
done so... no permits being issued, inspectors directed not to conduct courtesy inspections...... and so far no relief in
sight. Information provided by the head of the Planning Dept differs widely from what the plan reviewers and clerks require,
leaving one to wonder exactly who knows how the system works?
Failure to issue permits in a timely manner only encourages those contractors who don't want to bother with permits to begin
with,which causes all of us to lose in the end... the quality and integrity of the industry and the consumers will all pay the
price.
Construction is the one industry that has remained strong throughout the pandemic of the past 18 months..... yet more and
more companies are reaching a point that without the necessary permits,their work is going to come to a halt... and with no
work,construction personnel will find themselves unemployed until such time the COH 'works out the glitches'and gets
permitting back on track.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jan Weber
Project Engineer
Calvin's Plumbing Inc
73-5573 Lawehana St#112
Kailua Kona HI 96740
Office: 808-329-8669 x 2
Direct: 808-319-2532
Cell 808-365-3675
Fax: 808-327-9354
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