Honolulu County, HI Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

Establish an internet-based permitting process by which all permits required for the operation of a clean energy project are approved or denied within 14 calendar days after the submission of a complete application; provided that approval or denial of permit applications must be made within seven calendar days after submittal of required corrections; subject to the following exceptions and requirements.

(A)   Exceptions to the maximum time limits to approve or deny a permit application are as follows:

(i)   For clean energy projects that cost in excess $50,000, the project must be approved or denied within 28 calendar days after the submission of a complete application; provided that approval or denial of the permit application must be made within 14 calendar days after submittal of required corrections;

(ii)   Maximum time limits for approval or denial of a permit application do not apply if the plans are withdrawn by the applicant prior to completion of plan review, in which case the timeline will restart when the plans are resubmitted;

(iii)   Where the applicant fails to obtain required discretionary permits or approvals; or

(iv)   Where the applicant fails to submit a complete application, including failure to remit payment of all required fees.

(B)   If a map is required as a means to determine where the clean energy project will be installed, aerial or satellite photographs will be deemed sufficient if the photographs reasonably show where the installation is