City waives permit fees, streamlines emergency repairs following Tropical Storm Lala

News Release from Office of the Mayor, August 17, 2026

HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is taking steps to help Oʻahu residents recover more quickly from damage caused by Tropical Storm Lala, including allowing certain emergency work to begin before a permit is obtained.

Under DPP’s emergency repair provisions, eligible emergency building repair work may begin without first obtaining a building permit, provided that a permit application is submitted on the next working day after work begins. The department is also waiving permit fees directly related to storm-damage cleanup and repair work in an effort to accelerate recovery efforts.

Residents and property owners should check their property’s flood zone before beginning emergency repair work. Properties located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including Zones A, AE, AEF, AH, AO, V, and VE, may be subject to additional permitting and floodplain requirements. Property owners in these areas should contact DPP before beginning work.

Emergency Repair Work
Emergency repair work may proceed without a permit if all of the following conditions are met:
• Work must not expand the size, height, or area of the structure;
• Repairs must not make the structure less safe than it was prior to the damage;
• Materials used must be similar to the original construction;
• All work must comply with applicable city ordinances and building code safety requirements; and
• A building permit application is submitted on the next working day after work begins.

Permit applications should be submitted through HNL Build. Information on how to apply for permits related to Tropical Storm Lala can be found on DPP’s website. DPP encourages property owners to use licensed contractors for repair work.

Certain types of repair and maintenance work may not require a building permit. For a full list of eligible work, please visit DPP’s Tropical Storm Lala Rebuilding Guidelines. Property owners should verify whether their proposed work qualifies before beginning work.

Emergency Grading Work
Emergency grading work due to the storm may occur in order to provide immediate clearing, site access, and/or drainage. The grading work should not create hazardous conditions, and should not alter the general drainage pattern or cause significant damage with respect to abutting properties. However, an application for a grading permit for the work shall be submitted on the working day immediately following the day work is commenced.

Shoreline and Special Management Area Properties
If you have property damage in or around the shoreline area or on a shoreline lot, or have a commercial property or a lot with several dwellings within the Special Management Area, and are looking to do repairs, DPP staff will work with you regarding any existing SMA Permit approvals, conditions or requirements. Please contact our Land Use Permits Division at (808) 768-8015.

Notice of Violation Extensions
If you are unable to meet a deadline of correction for a Notice of Violation due to Tropical Storm Lala, please email us at dpp@honolulu.gov with your name, NOV number, inspector name, the justification for an extension, and your contact information.

Damaged Cesspools and Septic Systems
To report cesspool damage or failure, contact the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Wastewater Branch for repairs and replacements. Please call (808) 586-440 or email morikami@doh.gov.

Recovery Resources
DPP encourages residents and property owners recovering from Tropical Storm Lala to review available guidance on storm recovery, including information on substantial damage and substantial improvement, filing insurance claims and other recovery resources.

Property owners with questions about emergency repairs, permitting or flood-zone requirements may contact DPP at dpp@honolulu.gov.

More Resources:

Tropical Storm Lala Rebuilding Guidelines
Tropical Storm Lala Permit Application Instructions
Substantial Damage Quick Guide
Understanding Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage
Starting Your Recovery Factsheet
How to Start Filing a Claim
Increase Cost of Compliance Brochure

—PAU—