FLOOD HAZARD ASSESSMENT TOOL – The FHAT is an online GIS mapping application developed by DLNR for viewing FEMA’s Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM). This informational web application allows public users to search and view a mashup of data to assess flood risk for areas of interest.
To learn how to view proposed maps (also referred as “preliminary” maps) on the FHAT, watch this short video tutorial
EVERYONE LIVES IN A FLOOD ZONE – DOWNLOAD FLOOD ZONE DEFINITIONS
PROPOSED FLOOD MAP REVISION (COUNTY OF KAUAI) – On November 30, 2018 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued preliminary digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) panels in the areas encompassing Waimea and Hanapepe Rivers to reflect the deaccredition of the levee system along both rivers.
To better understand the history and timeline of this mapping effort, download a copy of FEMA’s “Flood Study and Mapping Plan, Hanapepe and Waimea Rivers – Kauai County, Hawaii“, dated October 2017.
The significance of deaccredited levees is that FEMA can no longer recognize the areas on the landward side of the levees as an area of low-to-moderate flood risk (i.e. X zone, XS zone) . Therefore, in accordance with 44CFR 65.10, FEMA will proceed to revise the DFIRMs to reflect areas on the landward side of the levees as being in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
The images below illustrate the comparison between the current effective DFIRM along Waimea and Hanapepe Rivers vs. the proposed DFIRM based on updated hydraulic analysis. To download PDF copies of the proposed maps, visit FEMA’s map service center “Preliminary FEMA Map Products“. Another viewing alternative is use of DLNR’s Flood Hazard Assessment Tool (FHAT). Users can utilize the FHAT to view the effective and proposed maps (see below for instructions).
WHAT MAY AFFECT OR CHANGE A FLOOD MAP?
FIRM updates can occur in a variety of ways, including Flood Risk Projects, Physical Map Revisions (PMRs), and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) and Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-Fs) can change flood hazard designations for specific structures or properties. Each of these processes is summarized in the table below:
HOW TO REQUEST A MAP AMENDMENT GUIDE
Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) are processes to gain a better understanding of your home’s flood risk – and potentially lower your flood insurance premium. This document provides criteria to determine if a homeowner is eligible for a LOMA or LOMR-F, the process for applying, and next steps upon receiving a determination letter: Download Guide
For application materials, visit MT-1 Application Forms and Instructions for Conditional and Final Letters of Map Amendment and Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/31858).
USING LIDAR FOR MAP AMENDMENTS
LiDAR data can replace the requirement to submit elevation information certified by a licensed land surveyor or professional engineer, which can create a cost savings for property owners. However, LiDAR data may be less accurate than certified elevations and may not capture the full risk for the building or lot. For more information on the use of LiDAR data for Map Amendments, download: FACTSHEET. For more information on the standard LOMA process and requirements, please refer to How to Request a Map Amendment Guide.
CREATING FIRMettes