FEMA Issues Preliminary FIRMS Based on Updated Flood Studies for Dozens of Streams on Oʻahu

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for the City and County of Honolulu. The maps identify updated flood hazards along numerous streams throughout Oʻahu. The flood maps will help building officials, contractors, and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

FEMA distributed the preliminary flood maps on July 31, 2024. They reflect several years of engineering and mapping work as well as partnership to improve communications and risk reduction. Flood hazards for many of the remapped streams have never been studied before as one of the goals of this flood map revision is to increase local knowledge of flood risks.

Before the revised Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed online. 

Flood hazards are dynamic and change for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion, and community development. Officials from FEMA and Honolulu worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood hazard. These changes may also affect future building standards and insurance requirements.

The mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to support actions addressing the effects of flooding on structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risk, potential future flood insurance requirements, and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

For more information on flood mapping for Honolulu or insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program, please contact the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange, or FMIX, via FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov, live chat, or at 1-877-336-2627 (2:00am to 1:00pm HST). Self-service options are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.