The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for the City and County of Honolulu. The maps identify updated flood hazards for over 400 stream miles throughout O‘ahu. 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 a partnership agreement to improve communications and risk reduction. Officials from FEMA and the City and County of Honolulu (City) worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the island’s flood hazard.
Flood hazards for many of the remapped streams have never been studied before. Flood hazards are dynamic and change for many reasons, including community development, erosion, and weather patterns. These map revisions will increase the knowledge of flood risks island-wide, affecting building standards and insurance requirements.
Due process is provided for all FEMA flood map revisions. Before the revised Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from March 13, 2025, to June 10, 2025. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting certified 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 as seen in the screenshot below.
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.
The last FEMA flood map republication for a portion of O‘ahu went effective in 2014. Flood maps are updated based on request and the availability of funding. After the 90-day appeal period, FEMA will coordinate resolution of any appeals submitted with City staff.
For more information on hazard mapping for the City and County of Honolulu or flood 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.
References:
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250312/fema-updates-flood-maps-honolulu-county
https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/appeal-period-set-to-begin-for-updated-fema-flood-insurance-rate-maps/
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