Solar permitting a success
HONOLULU - Honolulu says its new online permitting system for solar panels has gotten off to a good start.
The city said Friday more than 300 permits have been issued in a little more than a day since the self-service system launched the day before.
The system allows licensed contractors to go to the Department of Planning and Permitting's website. There, the contractors may issue their own permits for most solar panel installations at single-family residences.
The department started the program because it was overwhelmed by solar panel permit applications.
Department Director David Tanoue says the new system will lessen the burden on staff. He says they may now be able to devote more time to customers who often have very complex projects to review.
