According to data from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), Hawaiʻi County leads the state in issuing building permits for new single-family residential homes.

Between January to April 2023, the county granted 930 permits for new single-family homes, surpassing Honolulu with 330, Maui with 235, and Kauaʻi with 185 permits during the same timeframe.

From 2019 to April 2023, Hawaiʻi County issued a total of 3,884 permits for single-family homes, outpacing Honolulu (3,181), Maui (1,969), and Kauaʻi (873) over the 5-year period.

This year, the County of Hawaiʻi has issued 1,059 new single-family residential permits and counting.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, We believe wholeheartedly that every local family deserves a place to call home here on Hawaiʻi Island. Our top priority is simplifying the homebuilding process for residents to meet the growing housing demand. We have diligently worked on enhancing our permitting process, addressing issues with our EPIC system, and amending County ordinances to streamline procedures and reduce government oversight safely. Although we haven’t reached our goal yet, the data reflects significant progress.”