FEMA unveils updated Flood Risk Maps for Oʻahu; residents invited to informational open houses

News release from City and County of Honolulu, Oct 17, 2024

O‘AHU – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and the City and County of Honolulu (City) invite Oʻahu residents, especially home and business owners, to attend an important informational open house on significant updates to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Oʻahu.

Since 2019, FEMA has undertaken an extensive restudy of Oʻahu’s flood hazards, using the latest hydrologic and hydraulic data to assess flood risks across multiple streams, many of which had never been evaluated before. Based on these studies, FEMA released preliminary updates to the FIRMs on July 31, 2024. These updated maps provide critical new insights into flood risk across the island, including areas that may now face greater flood threats. A formal appeal process is scheduled for spring 2025, with the updated maps expected to be finalized in 2026.

FEMA’s updated FIRMs are essential tools used by federal, state, and local agencies to identify high-risk flood zones, determine flood insurance requirements, and regulate development in flood-prone areas. These maps are not only vital for compliance but also empower residents to make informed decisions about protecting their property and family from potential flood disasters.

One of the most significant changes with these new FIRMs is that some properties may now be classified within high-risk zones, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas, for the first time. Property owners in these zones who have a federally-backed loan or mortgage will be required to purchase flood insurance when the maps are finalized. Oʻahu residents can check if their property is affected by visiting resilientoahu.org/GetFloodReady.

The City remains committed to ensuring both the safety and financial security of Oʻahu residents. In 2021, the City proactively joined FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System, a voluntary program that rewards strong floodplain management practices with discounts on flood insurance premiums. As a result, NFIP policyholders in Honolulu enjoy a 10% reduction in annual premiums, helping to ease the burden of flood insurance costs.

To help the community better understand these updates and their implications, two Open Houses are scheduled where FEMA, City, and DLNR representatives will provide valuable information on the FIRM update process, flood risks, potential changes to flood insurance requirements, and steps residents can take to protect their properties from flooding. These events will offer residents a direct opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on how these changes may impact them.

Upcoming Open House Events:

• Virtual Session: Monday, November 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Please register for the Virtual Public Open House: Flood Insurance Rate Map Change for Oʻahu webinar by visiting resilientoahu.org/GetFloodReady. After registration, you will receive a custom link via email through which you can join the webinar. This session will include a Question & Answer section.

• In-Person Session: Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Neal S. Blaisdell Center, first floor Hawaiʻi Suites, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96814

These events are especially important for those whose properties may now be classified as high-risk flood zones, though all Oʻahu residents are encouraged to attend. Notifications will be mailed to property owners in newly designated areas.

Residents requiring accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or real-time captioning, should contact the City at (808) 768-2277 or email resilientoahu@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the event. Requests received later may not be fulfilled. Additional assistance is also available through FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource Line at (833) 285-7448 or FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

For more information on the updated flood maps and to download the preliminary FIRMs, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. To learn about flood insurance options, go to floodsmart.gov. For specific map questions, contact FEMA’s Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at (877) 336-2627 or FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

—PAU—

HNN: An estimated 4000 property owners who have a federally-backed loans or mortgages  could be required to purchase flood insurance when the maps are finalized.

HNN: New flood maps could affect Oahu homeowners (hawaiinewsnow.com)