Honolulu Demolition Permits: Full vs. Partial Demolition Requirements

When is a demolition permit required?

A DPP demolition permit is required for:

• Total demolition of any building or structure (any size)
• Partial demolition that removes load-bearing elements — walls, columns, beams, or the floor or roof structure
• Demolition of a structure that triggers utility disconnection (gas, electric, sewer)
• Any demolition in the SMA (Special Management Area)

Minor interior demolition that does not involve load-bearing elements and does not require utility work may be covered under the building permit for the renovation rather than requiring a separate demolition permit. Confirm with DPP at the permit counter.

DPP submittal requirements

A demolition permit application typically requires:

• Completed demolition permit application form
• Site plan showing the structure(s) to be demolished and their relationship to property lines and adjacent structures that will remain
• For partial demolition: architectural drawings showing what will be demolished vs. what will remain, with structural notes confirming the remaining structure's stability
• Utility disconnect confirmations: written confirmation from HECO, Board of Water Supply, and the Gas Company that utilities have been disconnected before demolition begins
• Asbestos and lead survey (see below)

Asbestos and lead-based paint requirements

This is the step most often overlooked and the one that creates the most significant liability. Under EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) regulations:

• Buildings constructed before 1980 — an asbestos survey by a Hawaii-certified asbestos inspector is required before demolition. If regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) is present in amounts above the NESHAP threshold, it must be abated by a licensed contractor before demolition.
• Buildings constructed before 1978— presumed to contain lead-based paint. EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule requires certified renovator documentation for projects disturbing more than 6 sf of interior or 20 sf of exterior painted surfaces in target housing.

DPP does not typically verify asbestos clearance before issuing the demolition permit, but HDOH enforces independently. Penalties for failing to survey or abate before demolition can be substantial.

Utility disconnects: sequence matters

Utilities must be disconnected before demolition begins, and the disconnect sequence matters. Gas is disconnected first (by the Gas Company with a confirmed shutoff at the meter). Electrical is disconnected next (HECO issues a tag after the meter is pulled). The sewer lateral must be capped at the property line as part of the demolition work — this requires a plumbing permit and inspection.

Plan for 2–4 weeks to coordinate utility disconnects. Each utility operates on its own schedule and will not expedite for permit deadlines.

Demolition and the subsequent building permit

The demolition permit is typically separate from the building permit for the replacement structure. DPP will not finalize the demolition permit until the final inspection is passed — meaning all debris is removed, the slab is broken up (or the building permit for the new structure is in process), and the lot is left in a clean condition.

If you are demolishing to rebuild, get the building permit for the new structure in plan check concurrently with the demolition permit. Starting construction of the new structure requires the new building permit to be issued — you cannot start on a demolition permit.

Historic properties

Demolition of a structure listed on the Hawaii State or National Register of Historic Places requires SHPD review and a Section 106 consultation process. Demolition of contributing structures in a designated historic district requires DPP Historic Preservation review, which may result in a demolition delay ordinance period. Identify the historic status of any structure before planning demolition.