A simpler first step for homeowners with permit problems
HonoluluPermitHelp.com helps O‘ahu homeowners take the next step with residential permit issues, whether they are new, ongoing, confusing, delayed, or difficult to move forward.
That may include DPP notices, HNL Build messages, correction comments, inspection issues, unpermitted work, open or expired permits, or permit problems that come up during a sale, purchase, or refinance.
Start with the notice, screenshot, photo, permit record, or message. If you do not have a file, briefly describe what happened.
Permit problems can feel hard to untangle
A permit issue can show up at the worst time.
You may be trying to sell your home. Refinance. Finish a remodel. Respond to a DPP notice. Figure out why HNL Build says something is missing. Or understand why an inspector, buyer, lender, appraiser, or contractor raised a concern.
Sometimes the issue is clear. Sometimes it is buried in City language, old permit records, correction comments, or screenshots that are hard to follow.
HonoluluPermitHelp.com was created to give homeowners a simpler place to start.
Reviewed by a licensed Honolulu architect
Documents and messages submitted through this site are reviewed by a licensed Honolulu architect familiar with local permit issues, DPP processes, HNL Build, residential drawings, zoning concerns, correction comments, inspection issues, and after-the-fact permit questions.
The review is meant to help identify what the issue appears to involve, what may be needed next, and whether professional help may make sense.
Common permit issues homeowners bring here
You do not need to know the right permit term before asking for help. Start with the document, screenshot, photo, message, or brief description you have.
- DPP notices and letters
- HNL Build screenshots or messages
- correction comments
- plan check issues
- prescreen problems
- inspection notes
- failed inspections
- stop work orders or red tags
- Notice of Violation concerns
- unpermitted work
- after-the-fact permit questions
- open or expired permits
- old work that may not match records
- sale, purchase, or refinance permit issues
- escrow, lender, realtor, appraiser, or buyer concerns
A clearer next step, not just a generic answer
The goal is to help you move from “I have a permit problem” to “I know what may need to happen next.”
After review, you may get help identifying:
- what the issue appears to involve
- what document, record, or drawing may matter
- what the City may be asking for
- whether the issue looks simple or more involved
- what information may be needed next
- whether professional help may make sense
- what may need to happen to move the issue forward
This is not a promise of approval. It is not a guaranteed timeline. It is a clearer starting point for dealing with the problem.
Honolulu permit issues are local
O‘ahu homeowners deal with local rules, local records, local review processes, and local property conditions.
A permit issue may involve DPP records, HNL Build, zoning, setbacks, shoreline or flood concerns, slope, sewer capacity, inspection history, old drawings, or work done by a previous owner.
That is why the first step is not guessing. The first step is reviewing the actual notice, screenshot, permit record, photo, message, or description.
Start with what raised the concern
Upload the notice, screenshot, photo, permit record, inspection note, correction comment, HNL Build message, escrow email, lender message, realtor message, or buyer concern.
If you do not have a file, briefly describe what happened.
You do not need a perfect explanation. The review starts with what you have.
Start with the document or describe the issue
Upload a DPP notice, HNL Build screenshot, inspection note, correction comment, permit record, photo, email, or message — or briefly describe what happened.
No Obligation
Need help moving a permit issue forward?
Start with the document or message in front of you. A licensed Honolulu architect will review it and help you understand the issue and what may need to happen next.