I have an Apexi AVC-R so it only reads in kg/cm^2. While setting it all up it hit 1.8kg/cm^2 (25.6psi) without boost cut..............
I had fixed boost leaks before the install so that eliminates that variable, I also have several HSG ECUs and they all did the same (I was testing ECUs at the same time before socketing them). The only thing that changed was bypassing the OEM boost solenoid to fit the EBC.
Is your boost solenoid hooked up?
I agree with Ian, take it back to 18 and stay in the upper end of the safe zone. I have adjusted the EBC to run 18psi max now as the thought of changing out another engine just about makes me go postal.