HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-12 Planning Department West Hawai`i Office to Limit Service Hours with the Public -- press release (2)
Harry Kim Michael Yee
Mayor Director
Wil Okabe Duane Kanuha
Deputy Director
Managing Director
East Hawai‘i Office
West Hawai‘i Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
County of Hawai‘i
Phone (808) 961-8288
Phone (808) 323-4770
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Fax (808) 961-8742
Fax (808) 327-3563
August 12, 2019
NEWS RELEASE
Planning Department’s West Hawai‘i Office to Limit Service Hours with the Public
As part of an ongoing effort to address a backlog in the processing of applications and
permits at the Planning Department’s West Hawai‘i office in Kailua-Kona the
Department will begin to limit service hours with the public on a temporary basis. The
front counter in Kona will be closed on Fridays for in-person consultations and
inquiries from the public effective August 23, 2019 and lasting until December 20, 2019.
The public is welcome to come in for in-person assistance Monday through Thursday,
7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during this period.
The Planning Department’s East Hawai‘i office in Hilo will continue to serve members of
the public at the front counter during normal business hours Monday through Friday,
7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The limiting of service hours with the public at the Kona office on Fridays is a temporary
measure to better serve our customers in the processing of permit applications. During
the last several months the Department has experienced an unprecedented increase in
permit applications, including the registration of short-term vacation rentals and building
permit applications which the Planning Department reviews for land use. In response to
this increase in demand, Planning Department staff in Kona are being assigned to
prioritize the processing of applications on days when they are not directly assisting
members of the public in-person.
“During this challenging time for our staff we appreciate the public’s kōkua as we focus
on completing our work and enabling our customers to move forward in their own
efforts,” Planning Director Michael Yee said.
This temporary change to service hours in Kona is one part of a broader effort to
respond to the increase in demand on the Department. Other measures taken include
bringing on temporary employees to build the Department’s capacity to assist the public,
as well as sharing staffing resources and workloads across divisions within the
Department.
If members of the public have any questions about this temporary change to service
hours in Kailua-Kona, they can contact the Department at 961-8288.
www.hiplanningdept.com Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov