Hawaii vacation applications rise as building permits fall
Posted July 21, 2019 9:13 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HILO, Hawaii — An increase in short-term vacation rental applications has been offset by a drop in building permits on Hawaii Island.
West Hawaii Today reported Sunday that Hawaii County processed 744 short-term vacation rental applications as of last week compared to 266 at the same point in June.
Records indicate only 1,600 building permits were issued between Jan. 1 and June 30 this year, a 28% decrease from the 2,059 issued during the same period last year.
The figure includes building, electrical, plumbing and demolition permits.
Officials say the change has tied up the planning and public works departments and caused frustration among members of the public.
Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy says she is working on legislation to streamline the building permit process.
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Information from: West Hawaii Today, http://www.westhawaiitoday.com
The Associated Press
