FEMA Preliminary Flood Maps Issued for O‘ahu
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 Maps (FIRM). The revised preliminary (draft) FIRMs 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 FIRMs, 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 maps 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 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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FEMA works with communities across the country to identify flood hazards and promote ways to reduce the impact of those risks and other hazards. The preliminary flood map is a version of the FIRM circulated for community review and comment before it becomes effective.
FIRMs are official flood maps issued by FEMA showing a community’s flood zones with an applied risk designation based on a variety of factors. High-hazard flood zones, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), show where there’s a 1% annual chance of flooding. While some areas have lower or undetermined risk, there is no such thing as a “no-risk” zone.
FIRMs are used for floodplain management in the City’s Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 21A, by financial lenders to determine the level of risk a property may face, and if flood insurance is required for a property.
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Flood risks change over time. Changes can be due to new land uses, community development, or natural forces (changing weather, terrain changes, wildfires, etc.). FEMA works with local communities and uses the latest technology to update and issue flood maps nationwide. Every year, thousands of homeowners and renters across the U.S. experience devastating flood events even though they may not live near a body of water. On Oʻahu, extreme flooding has impacted communities like Waimānalo, ʻĀina Haina, Hawaiʻi Kai, and North Shore in recent years.
The City is working with FEMA to understand our flood risks and how they may have changed over time. Much of the mapping being revised was produced over 25 years ago. Today’s flood maps are clearer in the risks they show. This aids our community members, property owners, and other stakeholders in taking steps to address flood risks to protect our families, homes and businesses.
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As the City works with FEMA to update our flood maps, you may find the risk of flooding around your property has changed. This could have impacts on building and flood insurance requirements.
Now is a good time to re-evaluate what protections you have in place for your home or business. In addition to taking steps to make your property more flood resistant, talk to an insurance agent about flood insurance options based on any flooding-related changes that could potentially be putting your property more at risk.
Properties newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area: If your property has a federally-backed mortgage, you will be notified by your lender once the FIRMS are effective if you are subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements. . The City and County participate in the NFIP Community Rating System making residents eligible for a 10% reduction on annual full risk rated NFIP policy premiums. You may also qualify for the NFIP's one-time Newly Mapped Discount. Check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify. These discounts are not available for non-NFIP private flood insurance policies.
Additional Resources
The FIRM update process began in 2019 and is expected to continue through 2026. FEMA released the preliminary FIRMs in July 2024, and a formal 90-day appeal process is anticipated to begin in spring 2025. After the appeal period, FEMA will review the feedback and finalize the FIRMs by 2026. This timeline may change based on the start date of the appeal process and the time needed to assess and incorporate any necessary revisions to the preliminary FIRMs.
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Properties newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area: If your property has a federally-backed mortgage, you will be notified by your lender once the FIRMS are effective if you are subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements. . The City and County participate in the NFIP Community Rating System making residents eligible for a 10% reduction on annual full risk rated NFIP policy premiums. You may also qualify for the NFIP's one-time Newly Mapped Discount. Check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify. These discounts are not available for non-NFIP private flood insurance policies.
Properties newly mapped out of a Special Flood Hazard Area into a low to moderate risk flood zone: If your structure has a federally-backed loan, your lender, at their discretion, may remove the mandatory purchase requirement. Talk to your insurance agent about your changed flood risk and insurance options. Consider protecting yourself with flood insurance. NFIP insurance premiums are determined based on your property’s unique flood risk, regardless of zone. Flooding can happen anywhere on O'ahu and having flood insurance enables folks to recover faster.
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No, flood damage is not typically covered by standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. Flood insurance is available for homeowners and renters through the NFIP or private insurance providers. Homeowners can obtain a flood insurance policy that includes building and contents coverage. Renters can obtain a flood insurance policy to cover contents. NFIP coverage for individual condominium units and condo associations is also available. Talk to your local insurance agent for more information.
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If you think your property is incorrectly designated as a high-risk area, FEMA has a process allowing property owners to appeal the designation of their property. A formal public comment and appeal period of at least 90 days will be open starting Spring 2025. Check back then for more details on this process.
To help the community better understand the FIRM updates and their implications, two Open Houses were held November 4 and 6 where FEMA, City, and DLNR representatives provided valuable information on the FIRM update process, flood risks, potential changes to flood insurance requirements, and steps residents can take to protect their property from flooding. Additional outreach events will be posted here throughout the update process. Updates will also be posted via social media and newsletter.
Virtual Open House November 4, 2024:
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.
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 (2:00 am to 1:00 pm HST). Self-service options are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
O‘ahu Flood Risk Survey - The Results Are In!
The survey was open between February and March 2024, and a total of 1,046 residents across Oʻahu participated. The survey sought to better understand residents’ awareness of flood risk, knowledge of flood insurance, and experience with flooding events. Results will be used to inform enhanced City outreach and education to improve community flood awareness and resilience island-wide, including the benefits of flood insurance.
This project is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Cooperating Technical Partnership program.
The Resilience Office recently conducted the O‘ahu Flood Risk Survey, and the results are in! One in three residents across the island reported having first- or second-hand experience with flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone, and while some areas have lower or undetermined risk, there’s no such thing as a “no-risk” zone. We also heard repairs and recovery from flooding can be costly: the average cost for homeowners was around $30,000 while renters were more likely to pay $30,000 to $75,000 in losses. Nearly a quarter of respondents indicated the survey got them thinking about flood risk and flood insurance, and that residents need to know more about how to protect themselves from flood damage. Want to know more about your potential flood risk? Check out the Flood Hazard Assessment Tool.
If you are considering flood insurance but are unsure where to find a provider, FEMA has a list of agencies participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The NFIP backs insurers so they are guaranteed to be there when you need them, which means your insurance won’t disappear when you experience a flood.
Flood insurance is a first line of defense to protect you and your family from the damages and costs associated with flooding. However, many residents were unsure if their current insurance policies cover flooding.
Click the button above to learn more about reading your policies to make sure you understand your coverage and always reach out to your provider if you have questions.
Aside from flood insurance, there are other simple ways to protect what you love. Installing gutters and downspouts, collecting rainwater in barrels, or checking low-lying areas around their place for standing water were actions residents took to reduce flooding impacts. The City’s Department of Emergency Management has more information, and here is a flyer with some quick tips.
Many of these actions can also help improve our island’s water quality and improve coral reef health! Healthy coral reefs protect our coastlines from flooding caused by waves and storm surges.
Understand the Risk
Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Anywhere near the coast, it can flood too. In fact, everyone lives in a flood zone.
Find out more about how to determine flood risk in your area.
Insure My Property
Standard homeowners’ and renters’ insurance does NOT cover flooding.
Flood insurance covers your home AND your belongings from flooding incidents regardless of the cause, helping you recover faster and more fully after a disaster.
It takes 30 days for flood policies to become active, plan ahead to save what you love in a flood!
Stay Flood Safe
When faced with a flood: Turn around, don’t drown!
Here’s what to do if you, your car, or your home starts to flood.
Prepare My Home
Build Responsibly
Mālama ‘Āina
Repetitive Loss Area Analysis
The RLAA is an in-depth look at areas that have experienced multiple flood insurance losses in the past. The RLAA offers flood mitigation actions for individual buildings or areas, in contrast to community-wide approaches presented in the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan or other floodplain management plans. The City and County of Honolulu developed an RLAA for more comprehensive flood risk reduction and in preparation of an application to join the Community Rating System (CRS) under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).