Building permits are required for,

• Erecting, constructing, altering, removing, or demolishing any building or structure (including fences, retaining walls, and swimming pools.
• All electrical and plumbing work.
• The construction or alteration of any sidewalk, curb, or driveway in public rights-of-way.

Building permits are not required for,

• The construction of curbs, planter boxes, retaining walls & fences which are not more than 30" in height.
• The installation of residential television and radio antennas excluding dish-type antennas.
• Painting, cabinet work and floor covering.
• Tool & storage sheds not exceeding 120 square feet as accessories to dwellings.
• Repairs using the similar or same materials for the purpose of maintenance and which are not more than $1,000  in valuation in any 12-month period, and do not affect any electrical or plumbing installations.

Refer to section 18-3.1, Chapter 18, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, 1990, for complete listing of items not requiring permits. http://www.honolulu.gov/refs/roh/18.htm

International Building Code, 2003 Edition with local amendments
Housing Code of the City and County of Honolulu, Printed 1997
Uniform Plumbing Code, 1997 Edition with local amendments
National Electrical Code, 2005 Edition
Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition with 1998 and 1999 Supplements
Land Use Ordinance, April 2003

Issuance and Posting:

All approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified, or altered without authorization from the building official, and all work regulated by the codes shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.

Post the building permit in a conspicuous place on the site during the progress of work.

The approved job site building plans shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the authorized work is in progress.

• Permit Validity:
  
  The issuance of any permit or approval of plans, specifications, and other data shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of any violation of any code or ordinance.
  
  The issuance of a permit shall not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors in the plans and specifications or halting building operations when in violation of any pertinent code or ordinance.
  
  Every permit shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of its issuance. Any building or structure that is not completed within the period of validity shall fall within the purview of unfinished buildings or structures.
• Deadlines for Construction:
  
  Applicant has 180 days from the building permit issuance date to begin work.
  
  Once work has started, such work shall not be suspended or abandoned for a period of 120 days.
  
  At the end of two (2) years after the building permit is issued, all foundation work for the new building shall be completed. In any case, all work shall be completed within three (3) years from the building permit issuance date with the exception of work on single family dwellings. The period for completion of work on single family dwellings is five (5) years from the date of permit issuance.
  
  The building official may issue a notice to revoke a building permit if the authorized work is not commenced or completed within the appropriate deadlines for construction.
  
  An extension of time may be granted by the building official when there is a strike or other causes beyond the control of the contractor or owner. The extension of time shall be requested prior to the specified deadlines for construction.

Electrical and Plumbing Information: Any electrical and plumbing work authorized by the building permit shall be inspected. The electrical and plumbing contractors shall notify the building official that the work is ready for inspection. The building official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one (1) working day before the day for which inspection is requested.

Special Inspection Policy: In addition to the building official inspection of work for which a permit is required, the owner shall employ one or more special inspectors independent of the contractors performing the work. The special inspectors shall provide inspections during construction on the types of work listed under Chapter 17, Section 1701.5, of the Uniform Building Code. The special inspector shall furnish inspection reports to the owner, the engineer or architect of record, and other owner-designated persons. All discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction, then, if uncorrected, to the proper design authority and to the building official.