Workshops focus on Coastal Development in Flood Zones

Training workshops on coastal construction are being offered to help industry officials that deal with high risk coastal zone development.

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All four counties are currently undergoing federal mapping revisions to update coastal flood risk maps based on FEMA’s recently completed Hurricane Flood Insurance Risk Study.

The workshops are especially targeted toward engineers, architects, surveyors and community officials that deal with floodplain development.

The sessions are presented by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and region officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The workshops are free but seating will be limited. Early registration is encouraged by January 19, 2011.

Topics include:

• Background on the National Flood Insurance Program
• Understanding the importance of the Flood Insurance Rate maps
• Floodplain Management Regulations for Coastal Development
• County building Permit Process
• Flood Insurance implications

Speakers are:

• Sarah Owen, Natural Hazard Specialist, FEMA Region IX, Oakland California, and
• Carol Tyau-Beam, State NFIP Coordinator, DLNR.

All workshops are from 8 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:

• Hawaii County – Tuesday, Feb. 1 at the Aupuni Conference Center, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo.
• Honolulu County – Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the Ala Wai Golf Clubhouse, 4040 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu.
• Maui County – Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Pacific Disaster Center, 1305 North Holopono St., Kihei.
• Kauai County – Friday, Feb. 11 at Kauai Civil Defense Emergency Operating Center, 3990 Kaana St. #100, Lihue.

Registration forms may be downloaded at www.hawaiinfip.org. Mail completed application form to DLNR Engineering Division Attn: Ms. Kristen Akamine, P.O. Box 373, Honolulu, HI 96809.