State officials announced today that contractors will be able to apply for elevator permits online and make payments for installations starting Tuesday.

Hawaii is working hard to enter the 21st century when it comes to taking advantage of technology. The Department of Labor & Industrial Relations’ Elevator Branch is the latest to boast about a long-overdue tech upgrade.

“Making new installation applications and fee payment available online is just the first phase of the Department’s efforts towards making all types of elevator permit applications and fee payments available via the web,” said DLIR Director Dwight Takamine. “Moving the Elevator Branch services online is part of the Abercrombie Administration’s efforts to provide more convenient services to the public and to transform the way government operates.” 

The state intends to make inspection reports and other information available for the convenience of the public in the future, DLIR spokesman Bill Kuntsman told Civil Beat.

There’s a four-year backlog of elevator inspections in Hawaii, a serious public safety concern that Civil Beat and other media outlets have reported on for the past two years. Lawmakers last year gave the department $1 million to help get back on track with its inspections.

— Nathan Eagle