Concrete work in Honolulu: Hiring and Permit Guide

Define the problem before choosing the work

Tell bidders how you intend to use the surface: parking vehicles, providing a walking route, replacing damaged steps or creating outdoor seating space. Supply approximate dimensions and photos of cracks, uneven edges, nearby drains and door thresholds. Have each bidder inspect the site before proposing a repair method.

For existing concrete, request an explanation of the suspected cause of damage and the limits of the proposed repair. Ask bidders to distinguish patching, topping, leveling and replacement where those options merit consideration. For moving cracks, exposed reinforcement or a slab connected to the house, ask whether a structural engineer should assess the condition before you authorize work.

Confirm approvals before setting a pour date

Give DPP the property address or Tax Map Key, proposed dimensions and a description of demolition, excavation and new paving. DPP bases building-permit requirements on ROH Chapter 18 and identifies separate stormwater considerations for concrete. Its FAQ states that walls greater than 30 inches require a building permit. Request a scope-specific determination if the job includes a wall, steps or changes beyond a surface slab. [1]

Have the bidder name the person handling applications, erosion-control documents and inspections, and identify those costs in the proposal. DPP says permit review time varies with project complexity, plan completeness, compliance, agency approvals and its backlog. Keep approval time separate from the contractor’s construction schedule. [1]

Discuss where the crew will park trucks, position equipment and store demolished material. DPP says work near a city street that temporarily obstructs a roadway or sidewalk requires a street usage permit through the Department of Transportation Services. Resolve that access question before reserving delivery equipment. [1]

Compare the complete bid

Compare proposals against the same drawing and dimensions. Have each contractor specify demolition, excavation, base preparation, slab thickness, reinforcement, finish, joints and drainage direction. Request separate prices for optional finishes and a written process for approving extra work if the crew encounters unexpected conditions.

Ask how the crew will contain concrete washwater and protect adjacent areas during placement. Include cleanup, hauling and the intended disposal destination in the agreement. Honolulu’s household curbside service does not accept concrete or construction debris, so arrange removal outside household collection. [3]

Build your budget from site-specific written bids. Identify allowances for permits, engineering, equipment access and disposal. Have each bidder explain exclusions and state who pays for changes so you can compare the amount you would pay for the same completed job.

Check credentials and agree on handover

Hawaii DCCA requires a contractor’s license for projects exceeding $1,500 in labor and materials and for projects requiring a building, electrical or plumbing permit. Obtain the contracting business’s name and license number, then use the verification resources on DCCA’s hiring page. Have the contractor confirm that its license covers your proposed scope and provide current insurance documentation. [2]

Agree in writing on payment stages, weather delays, access restrictions and the contractor’s instructions for using the finished surface. Request separate dates for walking, moving furniture and parking vehicles. At handover, review drainage, edges, finish and cleanup against the contract, and collect inspection records where applicable.

Honolulu building-permit ESCP review fees

Resolve these questions before accepting a concrete bid

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the site and mark the proposed work area and dimensions.
2. Describe intended loads, finish and drainage direction to each bidder.
3. Verify the contractor’s business name and license, and request insurance documentation.
4. Get a property-specific determination of paving limits before approving expansion.
5. Document responsibility for permits, erosion controls and inspections.
6. Confirm truck access, staging space and pedestrian access during work.
7. Include demolition, hauling, disposal and cleanup in the written price.
8. Agree on extra-work approval, payment stages and surface-use instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a small concrete repair require a licensed contractor?

DCCA says a license is required when the project exceeds $1,500 in labor and materials or requires a building, electrical or plumbing permit. Check both the total project value and permit requirements before treating a repair as exempt. [2]

Does every concrete slab need a building permit?

DPP’s FAQ mentions concrete slabs that do not require a building permit, but it also identifies stormwater requirements for concrete work. Ask DPP about your exact scope. A building-permit exemption does not settle erosion-control requirements or the paving limits applicable to your property. [1]

Can I enlarge a patio if my lot already has extensive paving?

Confirm the applicable coverage standard with DPP first. Its 75% residential guidance excludes townhomes, condos and apartments, and related standards exclude Cluster, Existing Use and Planned Development–Housing lots. Where the limit applies, DPP says owners with existing coverage above 75% may redistribute impervious surfaces but cannot increase the total. [1]

How soon can the contractor start?

Request separate estimates for approvals, preparation, placement and return to use. DPP says building-permit timing varies with the project, submitted plans, compliance, available records, backlog and external approvals. Have the contractor identify which approvals must precede the proposed start. [1]