The County of Hawai‘i Departments of Public Works (DPW) and Planning announce that they are implementing revised permit applications and inquiry processes effective immediately due to COVID-19 concerns. 

Starting Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the Hilo and Kona offices of DPW Engineering, Building, and Administration divisions, as well as Planning offices will be closed to walk in inquiries and submittals until further notice. 

Both Planning and DPW offices will remain operational and will continue to review and process permits. The two agencies will have permit and document submittal stations established outside permit offices which will be monitored throughout the day. Staff will tape a note to the box indicating the day and time the box is received in the office. Submittals will be intaken and begin processing within 48 hours. All applications need to include the applicant’s name, email and a contact phone number.

The County requests that general inquiries to the departments be made by phone or email to limit in-person interaction, and personnel will strive to respond within one business day. Those applicants needing a consultation should call or email to make an appointment. 

We ask for the public’s patience as we expect longer response times. For more information, contact the respective department and/or DPW division. 

Planning Department Hilo office: (808) 961-8288
Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720

Planning Department Kona office: (808) 323-4770
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg E
Kailua-Kona, 96740

Email: planning@hawaiicounty.gov
Website: http://www.hiplanningdept.com/
Drop off: Any Planning application, such as Plan Approval, Variances, ‘Ohana Dwelling Permit, Short Term Vacation Rental, Change of Zone, etc. 


Department of Public Works Engineering Division Hilo: (808) 961-8327
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7
Hilo, HI 96720

Department of Public Works Engineering Division Kona: (808) 323-4850
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Bldg D, 1st Floor
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Drop off: Grading, grubbing, stockpiling, and work within the County right-of-way applications and construction plans as well as floodplain management documents.
Email: dpweng@hawaiicounty.gov
Website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/public-works/engineering


Department of Public Works Building Department Hilo: (808) 961-8331
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7
Hilo, HI 96720

Department of Public Works Building Division Kona: (808) 323-4720
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Bldg E, 1st Floor
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Email: cohbuild@hawaiicounty.gov
Website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/public-works/building
Drop off: Building, electrical, plumbing, and sign applications and construction plans.
It’s recommended that the permit application process start online at http://papaaukahi.hawaiicounty.gov/
Inspectors should be contacted via phone or email prior to scheduling an appointment

Department of Public Works Administration Division Hilo: (808) 961-8321
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7
Hilo, HI 96720
Email: public_works@hawaiicounty.gov
 Complaints can be submitted via https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/public-works/administration-division/information-complaint-form
Contractors wishing to submit documents to our Contracts section, should either mail them or call / email to schedule an appointment.


General information and resources on COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be found on the County of Hawaii’s website at https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/coronavirus.