Flood risks change over time. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with communities across the country to identify flood hazards and promote ways to reduce the impacts and risks. Since 2019, FEMA has been conducting the Oʻahu Flood Hazard Restudy by performing detailed hydrologic and hydraulic studies using the latest high-quality data to analyze changes in flood risk along numerous streams, many of which have not been studied before. Using the study’s findings, FEMA released a revision to Oʻahu’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The revised preliminary (draft) FIRM gives updated information about Oʻahu’s flood risk and includes risk changes for areas across the island.
As a result of FEMA’s update to the FIRM flood maps, you may find the designated risk of flooding around your property has changed. This could have impacts not only on new building requirements, but also the requirement and cost of flood insurance. To view your home and determine if these changes affect you, click on the “View Preliminary FIRM Map” button below and use the slider tool to compare the preliminary maps with the current FIRM. Another way to view the preliminary maps is by downloading the O‘ahu map from the FEMA Map Center.
Flooding occurs naturally and can happen almost anywhere at anytime. According to a 2024 City survey, one in three Oʻahu residents have first- or second-hand experience with flooding. Between 2018 and 2023, Oʻahu residents participating in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) filed over 360 claims totaling more than $27.4 million in loss and damages.
One tool FEMA provides communities to reduce their risk are FIRMs showing how likely it is for an area to flood. FIRMs apply a flood zone designation to a location based on a variety of factors that can influence their flooding risk. The FIRM map and the associated Flood Insurance Study report are the basis for Oʻahu’s floodplain management. Below are descriptions of the flood zones most commonly found on Oʻahu.
- Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones A, AE, AEF, AH, AO, V, and VE): areas regulated by the City and considered to have special flood or flood-related erosion hazard risk by FEMA
- Flood Zone X: areas not regulated by the City and considered to have minimal flood hazard risk by FEMA
- Flood Zone D: areas not regulated by the City and considered to have an undetermined flood hazard risk by FEMA
While some areas have lower or undetermined risk, there is no such thing as a “no-risk” zone. Additionally, FIRMs may not tell the full story of flood risk. They do not include future impacts from climate change and may not reflect current conditions as communities grow and land use changes.
Need flood risk resources in a different language? Find resources here!
What does this mean for you?
Due to the FIRM changes, some properties will be added in the Special Flood Hazard Area for the first time.
When the preliminary FIRMs are finalized, properties newly mapped in the Special Flood Hazard Area will be notified by their lenders if they are required to purchase flood insurance. It would also require properties to comply with Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Chapter 21A – Flood Hazard Areas for any new development and some redevelopment. Use the “View Preliminary FIRM Map” button above to check what flood zone your home is in.
The City participates in FEMA’s NFIP so residents are eligible to purchase flood insurance as financial protection against flood losses. In addition, the City participates in FEMA’s voluntary Community Rating System (CRS) program which provides a 10% discount on flood insurance premiums for NFIP policyholders on Oʻahu based on actions the City has taken to reduce flood risk. If you need flood insurance and aren’t sure where to start, use the “Insure My Property“ button to view a list of NFIP providers.
Project Timeline
Public Outreach Events
The City, in collaboration with FEMA and other agencies, will hold a series of public meetings and open houses in November 2024 to promote community awareness of the FIRM map changes. The open houses are a chance for you to connect with FEMA and local officials to learn more about the FIRM update process and timeline, impacts it may have for you, answer questions, and provide insight into next steps. Additional outreach events will be posted throughout the update process.
More information on November 4th and 6th Open Houses coming soon! Check back at https://www.resilientoahu.org/getfloodready for event details.
What Actions Can You Take?
- Carefully examine the new flood map to understand if and how your property is affected.
- Attend a public meeting or open house to learn more about the preliminary map revisions and ask questions.
- If you believe the new flood hazard determinations are technically incorrect, submit appeals or comments during the 90-day appeal period in Spring 2025. Instructions on how to complete an appeal will be provided at that time.
- Now is a good time to re-evaluate what financial protections you have in place for your home and business. In addition to taking steps to make your property more flood resistant, talk to your insurance agent about your flood insurance options.
- Do you need a flood insurance provider? Check out our resources.
Contact Us
If you have any additional questions or concerns, 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.
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