HGTV hosts Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama are under fire due to issues with building permits on their show “Renovation Aloha.” Honolulu is revoking a permit for work done without proper reviews, causing uncertainty for the Kalamas and the current homeowners. The show portrayed major renovations on a property in Kalihi, but the permit only mentioned minor work, leading to discrepancies between the project on the show and what was approved. The couple’s bypassing of permits has sparked controversy and criticism.
The Kalamas did not respond to requests for comment, and the contractor involved had a language barrier. Concerns have been raised about safety and legality, with some properties on the show receiving violation notices for construction starting before permit approval. The issue highlights the challenges of unpermitted work, affecting homebuyers, safety standards, and the overall credibility of the renovations. The county inspector may require retroactive permits and penalties for unapproved work.
Various individuals, including a Honolulu City Councilman and a local realtor, have expressed concern over the situation and hope for a resolution. The construction industry continues on one of the Kalamas’ projects in Kailua, with the company applying for permits amid ongoing scrutiny. The controversy surrounding the show reflects broader issues with permitting processes in Honolulu and the implications of unpermitted work for homeowners and potential buyers.
Source
Photo credit www.civilbeat.org