Are you preparing for Hurricane Season? Thinking about getting flood insurance? Well you may want to call your agent ASAP. WHY? This afternoon, Congress approved a 2 week extension (until June 14) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which was set to expire and required reauthorization by 11:59 PM EST tomorrow (May 31, 2019)... Continue Reading →
Waimea and Hanapepe Open Houses; Questions On Preliminary Flood Maps Answered
Editorial By: Eric Simmons, FEMA RIX Kauaʻi County, DLNR and FEMA held two open houses to help homeowners and community members understand how they are affected by proposed flood zone changes. The public meetings on May 21 and 22 were well attended with a lot of interest on the preliminary flood maps. As approximately 400... Continue Reading →
Hurricane Season is Upon Us. Are you Prepared?
NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center announced on May 22nd that there is a 70% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity this hurricane season for the central Pacific. In just about a week, on June 1st Hawai'i’s Hurricane Season will begin and run through November 30th. If you haven’t already prepared, now is the time. Don't... Continue Reading →
Help Protect Hawai'i, Become a Certified Floodplain Manager by taking the CFM Exam
"The Association of State Floodplain Managers has established a national program for certifying floodplain managers. This program recognizes continuing education and professional development that enhances the knowledge and performance of local, state, federal and private-sector floodplain management professionals." "The role of the nation's floodplain managers is expanding due to increases in disaster losses, the emphasis... Continue Reading →
Reminder: Meetings in West Kauaʻi regarding FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Changes
About a month ago we posted about two important public informational meeting regarding the de-accreditation of the Hanapepe and Waimea Rivers that were being planned for Kauaʻi property and business owners. Well we hope that you have already put it in your calendar, if not, this is just a reminder that the two informational meetings... Continue Reading →
Community Meeting Regarding Federal Flood Mitigation Project for Waiakea-Palai Streams Slated for May 21
Hawai'i County NEW RELEASE: May 6, 2019 CONTACT: Denise Laitinen, DPW Information & Education Specialist, 808.961-8499 Hilo, HI: As part of the US Army Corps of Engineers' Waiakea-Palai Stream Flood Control Study, the Hawai'i County Department of Public Works Engineering Division is holding a community meeting regarding the upcoming project on Tuesday, May 21, 2019,... Continue Reading →
Modifications of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Feature Image Credit: Mark Sullivan Contributing Author: Eric Simmons, FEMA RIX All communities participating in the NFIP (including Honolulu, Kauaʻi, Maui and the Big Island) were recently sent an awareness letter on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). ESA compliance documentation has been required by FEMA for conditional letter requests for almost 10 years. FEMA released... Continue Reading →