Kailua-Kona Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

The Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works Building Division’s Kona office serves West Hawaiʻi from the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. It is a county building office, not a separate Kailua-Kona municipal government; permit jurisdiction remains with the County of Hawaiʻi for properties on Hawaiʻi Island.

Kona building permits and Papaʻaukahi

Use the County’s Papaʻaukahi system to begin an online building, electrical, plumbing, or related permit application. Prepare the property address and TMK, project description, plans, valuation, owner information, and contractor information. The Building Division may route an application to Planning, Engineering, Fire Prevention, wastewater, or other approving agencies depending on the location and scope.

The County’s published permitting guidance identifies the Kona Building Division counter at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center and recommends starting permit applications online. Verify the current counter schedule and required documents before delivering plans or payment in person.

Inspections, zoning, and occupancy

Building, electrical, and plumbing work must remain available for required inspections. Contact the assigned inspector or the Building Division before requesting a field visit, and do not cover work that is awaiting inspection. Final approvals and code-compliance documentation are needed before permit closeout and any applicable certificate of occupancy.

West Hawaiʻi Planning handles zoning and land-use matters, including land-use permits, variances, subdivision issues, special management area review, setbacks, and Chapter 25 zoning questions. A building permit does not automatically authorize a separate land-use approval, so confirm both tracks for coastal, agricultural, subdivision, and change-of-use projects.

Kona office contact

The Kona Building Division office is at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building E, 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, with the published phone number (808) 323-4720. Use Papaʻaukahi for current online permit work and the official County Planning pages for zoning and land-use research.