The Department of Planning and Permitting briefed the Zoning and Planning Committee on July 28 about HNL Build, a new permitting platform the department plans to launch on August 4 to replace the legacy Posse system.

Director Don Takeuchi Apuna said HNL Build will allow online submission and tracking for all permit types, eliminate separate tracking numbers for different phases of the same application, and require account registration with email verification. The system will integrate building, zoning and planning application types and provide property-specific records, including permits, approvals and violations.

DPP staff said the city contracted vendor software after reviewing multiple vendors, used federal relief funds for implementation, and began internal implementation in March 2024. The department recommended that applicants register on the new platform once it goes live and explained that some existing Posse projects may require a staff-assisted migration into HNL Build.

Key changes noted by the department: required owner contact information in applications, a single reference number for the entire permit lifecycle, upfront scope clarity to reduce downstream review delays, and integrated e-plan and outside-agency review functionality. DPP warned of an initial adjustment period for users and staff and asked for patience during the rollout, while offering online tutorials, user guides, in-person walk-throughs and a dedicated email and call-in support line.

DPP staff said the Posse system will be taken offline at close of business before the rollout and that pending applications will be transferred to the new workflow. The department asked users to register on Aug. 4 and contact DPP if their pending projects do not appear; staff will connect in-flight Posse projects to HNL Build.