I re-initiated the permitting process last Monday September 17th, 2007. My client and I were delayed a week due to an existing permit from the previous property owner that was not voided after 3 years of inactivity. A letter was required from the owner to the Building Department in Kona requesting to cancel the existing permit. Though this project is north of Kailua Kona, Hawaii. I submitted our plans to the Building Department, DP, in Hilo instead. DP Hilo was true to the reputation of being more efficient in reviewing plans. I walked away with an approval from both Engineering and Planning within an 1.5 hours, some of that time was waiting in line. The next step was the Department of Health, DOH. Since this project was under the DOH in Kona, the plans had to be routed to Kona. I was told that the process will take 5-10 days. Our plans left Hilo three days later. This Monday Dane from DOH in Kona called. He needed for us to cancel the existing approval on the existing septic system. Apparently, a waste water plan needs to accommodate the building plans in order to get a building permit. Makes sense , only that it was not mentioned in the required items for a building permit.
