Events

The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will host a “Rebuild Oʻahu” event this Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Assistance Center located in the Waialua District Park gymnasium.

This event is designed to support residents impacted by the recent storms that caused widespread flooding across Oʻahu over the past two months.

In addition to DPP, several City and State departments, vendors, and partner organizations will be on-site to provide guidance and resources.  Participating organizations include:

• Building Industry Association (BIA)

• American Institute of Architects (AIA)

• General Contractors Association (GCA)

• Honsador Lumber

• Fellows Construction

• Haloa Construction

• Cessa Corp

• University of Hawaiʻi

• City Real Property Tax

• Honolulu Board of Water Supply

• Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization

• Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

• Honolulu Department of Community Services

• Honolulu Department of Customer Services

Together, these partners will offer a comprehensive range of support to help residents rebuild. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the rebuilding process, including which emergency repairs require permits and which do not.

DPP staff will be available to answer questions on building permits, grading, flood and Special Management Area requirements, assist with creating HNL Build accounts, and guide participants through the permitting process.

To help residents make the most of their visit, DPP is offering free, one-on-one prescheduled appointments with staff throughout the day. Each 20-minute session will focus on helping participants navigate the process to repair or rebuild their home or business, including questions about zoning, permitting pathways, and any required approvals. Those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance using the link below, select a preferred time slot, and provide detailed information and questions so staff can better prepare for their specific needs. Participants should arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment for check-in. Walk-ins will be accepted; however, advance registration is strongly encouraged.

“No matter where someone is in their recovery, whether they’re just trying to understand the process, looking for a contractor, or already making repairs, we want them to know they’re not alone,” said DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna.

“This event brings together the people, resources, and expertise to help residents move forward with clarity and confidence. By signing up ahead of time and sharing information about their situation, we can provide more meaningful, property-specific guidance and help ease what can often feel like an overwhelming process.”

Sign up for an appointment: bit.ly/RebuildOahu 

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.