Maui Flood Map Changes Could Impact Insurance Rates

December 26, 2010 flooding on South Kihei Road. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

By Maui Now Staff

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released new flood insurance rate maps that have been revised for areas of Molokaʻi and Maui.

County officials say the new Molokaʻi map reflects the integrating of the 2008 statewide hurricane study, which affects properties along the south shore of the island.  The map also reflects a decertification of the Kaunakakai levee system.

On Maui, the revised map reflects two new flood studies of areas around Keokea and Waikapū Streams.

Two public meetings are planned to discuss the changes and how they will affect flood insurance coverage for residents on Molokaʻi and Maui.

The Molokaʻi meeting will run from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday Sept. 8 at the DHHL office, with a presentation at 3 p.m.; and the Maui meeting will run from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the Kīhei Community Center, with a presentation at 5 p.m.

Personnel from FEMA, the County of Maui, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources will provide a short presentation and take questions during the meetings on the new flood maps and insurance ramifications.

Changes included on the maps are scheduled to take effect in the Fall of 2015.  When the new maps are adopted for the islands, county officials say a property’s flood risk may change and consequently so will the requirement for federally mandated flood insurance, as well as construction standards.

The public may view the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps by visiting the Hawai’i Flood Hazard Assessment Tool website.