Question: What is the penalty if you remodel your house and don’t get a building permit? It’s hard to understand when you need a permit and when you don’t. Can you put up drywall or a closet without a permit? If something is already built, can you apply for a permit after the fact? Also, what are the penalties — is there a fine, do you have to take it down or is there criminal prosecution?

Answer: If you are issued a Notice of Violation for doing work without a required building permit, you will be assessed a double-fee penalty, meaning it will cost you twice the amount of the normal permit fee, said Art Challacombe, deputy director of the city Department of Planning and Permitting.

Building permit fees are based on the estimated value of the work to be done.

For example, if the cost of renovations is expected to be $20,000, the fee would be $411. An after-the-fact permit would cost you $822.

(You can calculate the costs of building permits by going to DPP’s website, bit.ly/1KLcMb4. The plan review fee is not subject to the penalty.)

If DPP subsequently issues a Notice of Order, civil fines also may be assessed, Challacombe said. "There is no criminal prosecution, just civil enforcement."

He explained that permits are required to erect, construct, alter, remove, repair (for projects of more than $1,000 value), or demolish any building or structure, including fences, retaining walls and swimming pools. (Covered under Chapter 18, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.)

A permit is required for any electrical work valued at more than $500, or plumbing work over $1,000.

As set forth in Chapter 18, all work should be done by a licensed contractor.

Chapter 18 also requires a permit for construction or alteration of any sidewalk, curb or driveway in public rights of way.

Meanwhile, a sign permit is required to install, alter, relocate or reconstruct any sign, Challacombe said, while a temporary permit

is required to erect any tent or similar structure to be used for religious or commercial purposes, such as rallies, festivals or carnivals.

These provisions can be found in Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.

When in doubt, Challacombe said, call a licensed contractor or DPP at 768-8220.

Computer Classes

Free computer classes for senior citizens to learn how to email, use the Internet, compose documents or just have fun with computers are being offered June, July and August at the Carole Kai Charities Inc. office, 418 Kuwili St. in Iwilei.

The two-hour classes will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. on various days through- out the summer.

Reservations are required: call Rene Mansho at 291-6151 or email renemansho@hawaii.rr.com.

The classes are sponsored by the Great Aloha Run, Tsuha Foundation and Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Computer Center.

Instructors are Lorie Young and Zoe Tanaka, while Mansho is the volunteer coordinator.

According to a news release, Carole Kai, a co-founder of the Great Aloha Run, started the free classes in 2003.

The organization’s computers register more than 20,000 race entries every year during the busy months. Kai started the classes to utilize the computers during the summer "and to thank senior citizens who have given so much to make Hawaii the beautiful place that we are today."

Mahalo

To the kind, thoughtful and honest person who found my daughter’s credit card holder with her credit cards, driver’s license and a small amount of cash. She must have dropped it coming out of the grocery store. You took the time and effort to mail it to her post office box. We greatly appreciate this and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I am writing this because she is going through a family crisis. God bless and keep you well. — Grateful Mother and Daughter

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.