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People have been waiting way too long for permits, with many applications literally taking years, but city data suggests the system is gaining speed.

HGTV hosts Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama are facing backlash because some of their speedy projects lacked proper permits.

As the saying goes, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. The Kalamas have turned that adage into profit. 

The developers previously said they planned to start ‘vertical construction’ on Dec. 1. That didn’t happen.

Plans for a Turtle Bay development are under review, but the developer inherited government approvals that helped it get off to a quick start.

Neighborhood boards across Oahu are asking the city to seize such properties, which are prone to fire. But the city says that the foreclosure process is unwieldy and expensive.

During the investigation, the inspector was put on leave and collected 16 months of pay.

Time is money, and it’s not just permit applicants who lose. The city pays a price, too. 

New tools promise to give applicants faster feedback on their plans.

The permitting director says her employees are underpaid. But the mayor has not tried to negotiate raises for plan reviewers, saying there’s more to the problem than pay.