Hawaii County, HI Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Under HCC § 5-8-3, the person doing the permitted work files a request for inspection (in writing, in person, online, or by fax, and by phone if the department allows it) not less than two and not more than three working days before the desired date. The authority having jurisdiction then has two working days, not counting weekends or holidays, to either conduct the inspection or arrange a rescheduled date with the contractor. HCC § 5-8-4 lays out the required stages: footing and foundation inspection after excavation and rebar placement but before concrete pour, slab/under-floor inspection before concrete or subfloor is installed, framing inspection once the roof deck, framing, fireblocking, bracing, and rough electrical/plumbing/HVAC are in and approved, then insulation and lathing inspections in sequence.

The contractor or their agent must be present on site when the inspector requests it. Electrical work is separately inspected under § 5-8-4(c) before it may be energized, and no utility may supply permanent power until the authority having jurisdiction approves the service. Plumbing, gas, and drainage systems are inspected under § 5-8-4(d) before use. Work that does not conform must be altered, removed, or corrected within a reasonable time, and further work on condemned items is barred until fixed. Certain projects also require special inspections under § 5-8-6, performed by a qualified special inspector employed by the owner's licensed architect or engineer, covering the construction types listed in IBC chapter 17; these are in addition to the regular inspections.

The final inspection under § 5-8-5 happens only after all permitted work is complete, and a certificate of inspection issues on request once all construction-code fees are paid, feeding into the certificate of occupancy process under § 5-8-22.