On April 1st 2023, Hawaiʻi achieved a huge milestone in its 43 years of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Hawai'i became the only state with 100% participation in the FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS).
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) resulting in flood insurance premium discounts. Over 1,500 communities participate nationwide.
All four of Hawaiʻi ‘s counties have been participating in the NFIP since the early 80’s. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that Maui County joined and became Hawai'i’s first CRS community. They were our only CRS community for over 15 years. In 2011, Hawaiʻi County became our 2nd, followed by the City and County of Honolulu last April. Kauaʻi County’s entry into CRS two weeks ago, marks a significant accomplishment in flood risk reduction for our state.
A big MAHALO goes out to the county floodplain managers, CRS coordinators, and support staff for their dedication to reducing risk in Hawaiʻi .
For more information on each county’s discount and flood risk reduction activities, visit: waihalana.hawaii.gov/floodplain-management/crs/
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