Honolulu Building Permit Fee Calculator

An architectural blueprint with a tropical Hawaiian landscape and construction tools, symbolizing building permits and construction costs on Oahu.

 

 

Honolulu Building Permit Fee Calculator and Construction Costs

Use this page to estimate building permit and plan review fees for residential construction projects on Oahu. Additionally, find detailed information on local construction costs, labor market challenges, and other related fees.

Building Permit Fee Calculator (Display Only)

Below is an example of how building permit fees are calculated based on project valuation. Please note that this calculator is for display purposes only and may not provide accurate results. For up-to-date and accurate calculations, visit the official Honolulu Building Permit Fee Calculator.

Fee Calculator



Building Permit Fee: $0.00

Plan Review Fee: $0.00

How Fees Are Calculated

  1. Determine the Square Footage (SF) of Your Project: Measure the total area of your project in square feet.
  2. Calculate the Project Value: Multiply the SF by $200 (the estimated cost per square foot).
  3. Understand the Fee Structure: Building Permit and Plan Review Fees are based on the project valuation and DPP’s fee schedule.

Understanding Residential Construction Costs on Oahu

Construction costs on Oahu are among the highest in the nation, ranging from $290 to $780 per square foot for single-family homes. Costs vary based on design complexity, material choices, and labor availability. For instance, concrete masonry unit (CMU) columns are more durable but cost significantly more than wood due to higher material and labor expenses.

Labor shortages remain a significant factor. Large-scale government projects, such as the U.S. Navy’s $4 billion infrastructure updates running through 2027, draw skilled trades away from residential projects, increasing wages and project timelines. Additionally, Hawaii faces a “silver tsunami” of retiring construction workers, further straining the workforce.

Other Fees to Consider

  • Stormwater Management Fee: A $250 fee for submitting a Residential Storm Water Management Plan.
  • Board of Water Supply (BWS) Fees: A Water System Facilities Charge (WSFC) based on fixture counts, covering new or expanded water service connections.
  • Impact Fees: Certain projects may incur impact fees for roads, parks, or other infrastructure improvements.

Permit Refund Policies

Although refunds are technically possible under DPP policies, they are rarely approved in practice. If a permit application is canceled before review, the Building Permit and Plan Review Fees are refundable minus a 10% administrative fee. However, once the review process begins, the Plan Review Fee becomes non-refundable.

Applicants seeking refunds must submit a Permit Refund Request Form, a copy of the receipt, and a written explanation. Refunds, if approved, are processed within 4-6 weeks. For more information, visit the DPP Permit Refund Page.

Note: This calculator is for display purposes only and may not provide accurate results. For accurate calculations, visit the official Honolulu Building Permit Fee Calculator.