A contractor begins work on a commercial building without obtaining proper building permits in Honolulu. The building inspector discovers this violation. What is the most likely consequence?
Correct Answer
D) A stop work order is issued until permits are obtained
Building inspectors will typically issue a stop work order when construction is proceeding without proper permits, requiring all work to cease until permits are obtained.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When a building inspector discovers unpermitted construction, the standard enforcement action is issuance of a stop work order. All construction must halt until proper permits are obtained, reviewed, and approved.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Work can continue with a verbal warning
Verbal warnings are not a standard enforcement tool for unpermitted construction. Building departments use formal written orders to create an enforceable record. Work cannot continue on a mere verbal warning.
Option B: Only the property owner is held responsible
Both the contractor and the property owner may face consequences, but the contractor who performed the unlicensed work bears direct responsibility for the permit violation. Blaming only the owner is legally inaccurate.
Option C: The contractor receives a 30-day grace period
There is no automatic 30-day grace period for unpermitted work in Honolulu. A stop work order takes effect immediately upon issuance. Grace periods are not standard enforcement practice for active violations.
Memory Technique
No permit = Stop Work Order. The inspector's job is to stop the violation from getting worse, not to give informal warnings. Think: 'Red tag on the site, work stops tonight.'
More Hawaii Questions
What is the minimum general liability insurance coverage required for Hawaii contractors under HRS 444?
A contractor's license expires on June 30th. What is the late renewal penalty fee in Hawaii?
A contractor completes $85,000 worth of work on a residential project in Hawaii. The property owner fails to pay. Under HRS 507, what is the maximum lien amount the contractor can claim?
A contractor's insurance policy has a $1 million aggregate limit and a $500,000 per occurrence limit. Two separate incidents occur: one causing $400,000 in damages and another causing $300,000. How much will the insurance cover?
Under Hawaii's mechanics lien law, a subcontractor must provide preliminary notice within how many days of first furnishing labor or materials?
A subcontractor provides $28,000 worth of plumbing work but is not paid by the general contractor. Under HRS 507, what is the priority of the mechanics lien compared to a mortgage recorded before construction began?
A contractor discovers contaminated soil during excavation of a residential property. Under Hawaii environmental regulations, who must be notified immediately?
A contractor working on a project in a Hawaii historic district must obtain approval from which entity before beginning work?
A contractor fails to obtain required building permits before starting work. The property owner discovers this and terminates the contract. Under Hawaii law, what is the contractor's right to payment?
A contractor has 12 employees with a total annual payroll of $480,000. If the workers compensation rate is $12.75 per $100 of payroll, what is the annual premium?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass