Last year, a law was passed that required all buildings 50 years or older to undergo a special procedure (ie. document & submit photos to the State Historic Preservation Division) for any work that was to be done to a structure or demolished.   This Act 228 caused a major backlog in the state and they did not have the personnel to handle such volume.  Getting building permits in Hawaii have never a simple step & this law just added more red tape... Although the law may have had good intent, there are many, many homes in Hawaii that are over 50 years old.  I just looked back at my last 10 single family home transactions & 7 of the 10 were over 50 years old! The Hawaii Association of Realtors spoke out as well as many in the building industry against the law.  Recently, Governor Lingle repealed it and now homeowners can get back to fulfilling their goals of remodeling their dream homes :)