Honolulu officials say HNL Build stabilizing after Aug. 4 launch; data migration and account setup remain in hypercare

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) officials told the City Council Committee on Government Efficiency and Community Services on Sept. 25 that the new HNL Build permitting platform is functioning but remains in an extended "hypercare" phase after an Aug. 4 go‑live to correct data migration and account setup problems.

The briefing told committee members that HNL Build — a cloud‑based replacement for the city’s 28‑year‑old POSSE system — has processed about 3,716 permits and registered about 3,495 accounts since launch, but that initial weeks produced backlogs and user problems requiring intensive vendor support and continued staff training.

HNL Build replaces an on‑premises system the department characterized as "highly configured Band‑Aid after Band‑Aid" and aims to "improve efficiency, consistency, and customer service" through integrated workflows, a public portal and online payments, DPP Director Dante Apuna said. "HNL Build is a major system overhaul transforming how we deliver services," Apuna said.

Why it matters: The permitting system touches homebuilding, commercial construction, solar installs and other development activity across Honolulu. Council members and the mayor said timely stabilization matters for economic recovery, affordable housing and federally driven permit timelines cited by the solar industry.

What officials told the committee - Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the administration anticipated bumps during transition from a 1998 system and asked the council for patience and support. "This is a transition period right now and we need your support," he said,…