Department of Planning and Permitting

The recent partial collapse of an Oʻahu home into the ocean at Kammies Beach has raised a number of environmental concerns, including what's to be done with the property's cesspools.

In an effort to increase the state’s ability to build affordable housing, Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on housing, suspending the State Building Code Council. HPR's Ashley Mizuo shares how the change affects local building codes.

The operator of a lūʻau in a residential area of Honolulu said he plans to continue his business despite city officials ordering him to stop. At the end of February, the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting gave Karl Veto Baker until March 30 to correct the violation. Baker said he created the lūʻau to bring back representation of Hawaiian culture. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.

Two measures at the Honolulu City Council aim to help police take down illegal game rooms. HPD Maj. Mike Lambert has said that about 100 illegal game rooms are operating on Oʻahu at any given moment. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

New technology at the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting could make the building permit process much shorter. The department said, with the changes, the process for residential projects could take as little as two weeks. Commercial projects are estimated to take no longer than six months. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The Conversation talked to the mayor Monday morning about some of his top priorities in the upcoming year, such as improving the police officer shortage and the Department of Planning and Permitting.

The Honolulu Building Board of Appeals has upheld a Department of Planning and Permitting decision to revoke the building permits for a residential construction project on Sierra Drive near Kaimukī. Neighbors had complained the development was not compliant with rules meant to curb monster homes. The Conversation's Catherine Cruz has more.

While the number of single-family building permits is one aspect of addressing the state’s housing shortage, it’s an indicator of potential housing inventory that plays a crucial role in accommodating residents amid growing populations.

There are still about 100 vacant positions in the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting. The DPP has been trying to clear a backlog of building permits by speeding up its processing times, which it reportedly has done, but staffing continues to be a problem.

In the play, actual board members of The Actors' Group recall the dilemma of moving from their Chinatown location to a new home at the Dole Cannery Shops in Iwilei. It plays out against a backdrop of bribery scandals at Honolulu Hale.