support storm recovery efforts sent
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is pleased to announce that it will host its second “Rebuild Oʻahu” event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lāʻie Hawaiʻi Stake Center, offering guidance and support to residents and businesses impacted by recent severe storms.
As with the first event, “Rebuild Oʻahu” aims to connect affected community members with critical resources to help them navigate the rebuilding and recovery process. Representatives from multiple City and State agencies, as well as industry partners and nonprofit organizations, will be available on-site to provide assistance.
Some of the participating organizations include:
The Building Industry Association of Hawaii
The American Institute of Architects Honolulu
The Small Business Administration
The City Department of Community Services
Real Property Assessment
Habitat for Humanity
Attendees will have access to a wide range of support services, including information on rebuilding requirements, permitting processes, and which emergency repairs may proceed without permits.
“We had a good turn out at the Waialua event and were able to connect storm-affected households and businesses with information, answers and guidance on the rebuild process,” said DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna. “We look forward to connecting with more people in Lāʻie and surrounding neighborhoods, and hopefully make a positive impact.”
DPP staff will be available to assist with questions related to building permits, grading, flood zones, and Special Management Area requirements to name a few. Staff can also help attendees set up HNL Build accounts and provide step-by-step guidance through the permitting process.
To better serve attendees, DPP is offering free, one-on-one appointments with staff throughout the event. Each 20-minute session is designed to help participants understand the specific steps needed to repair or rebuild their home or business.
“Rebuilding can be overwhelming, especially after a disaster,” said Apuna. “Our goal is to make this process clear and accessible by providing personalized, one-on-one support tailored to each person’s situation.”
While walk-ins will be available, appointments are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled in advance using the following link: https://form.everestwebdeals.co/?form=834aef9dacd8e28d52d936dec01f943d
The information gathered in the appointment application helps DPP conduct research on the specific property and damage incurred in preparation of the appointment.
Participants are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment time for check-in. Walk-ins will be accepted; however, participants are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance. One-on-one sessions are intended for individuals and businesses directly impacted by the recent storms.
The address for the Lāʻie Hawaiʻi Stake Center is 55-415 Iosepa St., Laie 96762.
For additional information on the event, please head to DPP’s website: www.honolulu.gov/dpp
Rebuild Donation Match Registry:
As part of the recovery effort, DPP has launched the Rebuild Donation Match Registry, a new City initiative that connects storm-impacted residents and businesses with donated construction materials and volunteer services.
Residents who have filed a damage claim and registered for the program will have their requests verified by DPP and matched with available donors. Likewise, donors can be confident they are supporting verified individuals and businesses in need. This program aims to accelerate recovery efforts while fostering a spirit of kōkua across Oʻahu.
Submit a request or donate materials/services:
https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/rebuild-donation-match-registry/
Those attending the event on Saturday will also be able to apply in person using written forms.
Important: Residents must have reported home damage from the storm to participate in the program. Those who have not submitted a report can do so by visiting oneoahu.org.
Please check the DPP website over the next few days for updates on the event, including additional vendors, participants, and scheduled informative briefings throughout the day.
Storm Recovery Information:
For more information on rebuilding after a storm, please refer to the resources below:
DPP’s Storm Response FAQs: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/dpp-storm-response-faqs/
How to Apply for a Building Permit After a Storm: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/kona-low-rebuild-application-instructions/
Create an HNL Build Account: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/hnl-build-create-a-new-account/
Report Home Damage: oneoahu.org
Have additional questions? Email us at dpp@honolulu.gov.