SPEED Summit to Bring State, County, and Industry Leaders Together to Modernize Hawaiʻi’s Permitting System

Honolulu, Hawai‘i — On Friday, January 15, 2027, leaders from government, business, housing, and the nonprofit sector will assemble at the Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort for the inaugural SPEED Summit. Hosted by the Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED) Task Force, the day-long summit will explore one central question: How can Hawaiʻi change its permitting processes to make it easier to build the homes, infrastructure, and businesses our communities need?

“The SPEED Summit serves as a pivotal moment to bring state, county, and private sector leaders, along with other key stakeholders, to the same table to identify barriers in Hawaiʻi’s permitting process and develop practical solutions. Although individual efforts have advanced permitting improvements in recent years, a more coordinated and streamlined approach is needed to achieve meaningful, lasting progress," said State Representative Greggor Ilagan, Chair of the SPEED Task Force and Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development & Technology. “Modernizing Hawaiʻi’s permitting system is more than improving efficiency. It’s about delivering affordable housing, upgrading critical infrastructure, and strengthening economic resilience for our local families and communities.”

County building permits have long been a sore subject for builders. Before recent improvements were made to the permitting review process, a permit for a single-family home in the City & County of Honolulu took over 14 months to approve. Many complex projects also require state reviews for historic preservation, water, wastewater, and other considerations, which can extend the time a project is spent in review.

"By tackling bottlenecks in permitting processes, we can transform Hawaiʻi's regulatory landscape into one that actively encourages innovation and investment," stated Senator Glenn Wakai, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Chair of one of the SPEED Task Force’s Permitted Interaction Groups. "Streamlining these approval channels will help spur job creation, lower project costs, and build a stronger, more resilient economy for our entire community."

Every day a housing, infrastructure, or job-producing project spends waiting for permits is another day local families must struggle with the high cost of living and decide to live elsewhere for better economic opportunities. As construction costs continue to rise, lengthy permitting timelines add unnecessary time, expense, and uncertainty to projects that Hawaiʻi urgently needs. While improving the permitting process won't solve these issues on its own, it is one practical step that can help deliver homes faster, reduce costs, and support a stronger economy.

Key Event Details & Registration

WHAT: 2027 SPEED Summit

WHEN: Friday, January 15, 2027 | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM HST (Followed by the SPEED Pau Hana networking reception from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in Waikīkī)

WHERE: Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort, 2255 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Registration Pricing:

• From now through Dec. 31, 2026: $75

• Jan. 1, 2027, through Jan. 13, 2027: $95

• Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, 2027: $115

• Note: A limited-time discount is available for federal, state, and county government employees.

• SPEED Pau Hana Reception Add-On: $40 per person

• Continuing Education Credits: Attending architects may be eligible to earn up to 6.5 AIA continuing education credits (2.5 HSW and 4.0 LU) through AIA Hawaii.

• Website & Agenda: www.hawaiiSPEEDsummit.com

  
  

SPEED Program & Summit Highlights

The Summit will feature presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions with leaders from state and county government, the building industry, and the private sector. Key programming includes:

• Task Force Progress & Recommendations: Updates on the Task Force’s findings and strategic roadmap for statewide permit coordination.

• Topic-Based Breakout Sessions: Targeted discussions covering four critical areas:

  • Workforce Development

  • Technology & Innovation

  • Stakeholder & Community Engagement

  • State-County Infrastructure Coordination

• County-Specific Discussions: Breakout sessions tailored to the unique regulatory challenges of Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi, and Kauaʻi.

  
  

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About the SPEED Task Force

Established by Act 133 (2025), the SPEED (Simplifying Permitting for Enhanced Economic Development) Task Force is a 34-member legislative interagency working group that brings together representatives from state agencies, county governments, housing authorities, and industry stakeholders. Under the leadership of Representative Greggor Ilagan, the group is charged with identifying administrative and legislative solutions to expedite and coordinate permit processes—from building permits and land use to water and infrastructure approvals—so that housing and economic development projects can move forward more efficiently statewide. Financial management support for the Summit is provided in partnership with Housing Hawai‘i's Future.