FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Honolulu County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for the City and County of Honolulu. These maps identify revised flood hazards along various streams. The new maps will help building officials, contractors, and homeowners make informed mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer, more disaster-resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there will be a 90-day appeal period from March 13, 2025, to June 10, 2025. During this time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information—such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data—may appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps. The maps can be viewed at hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/.

Flood hazards are dynamic and frequently change due to various factors, including weather patterns, erosion, and community development. Officials from FEMA and Honolulu County have worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the current flood risk. These changes may also impact future building standards and insurance requirements.

This local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to enhance public awareness of flood risks and support actions that mitigate the effects of flooding on new and existing structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to better understand their local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and any concerns they may have regarding the information provided.

Flooding affects nearly every part of the nation. In fact, 98% of U.S. counties have experienced a flood event, making floods the most common and widespread weather-related natural disaster.

For more information, contact Dawn Takeuchi Apuna at the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting at (800) 768-8000 or dpp@honolulu.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at x/femaregion9.