Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR | KE KIAʻĀINA SYLVIA LUKE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR | KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA STATE OF HAWAII | KA MOKUʻĀINA ʻO HAWAIʻI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA INSURANCE DIVISION 335 MERCHANT STREET, ROOM 213, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813 P.O. BOX 3614, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96811 Phone Number: 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) Fax Number: (808) 587-6714 cca.hawaii.gov/ins/ NADINE Y. ANDO DIRECTOR | KA LUNA HOʻOKELE SCOTT K. SAIKI INSURANCE COMMISSIONER April 7, 2026 MEMORANDUM 2026-3A To: All Insurance Producers, Administrators and Surplus Lines Brokers From: Scott K. Saiki, Insurance Commissioner Subject: Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently updated its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), resulting in changes to the flood risk designation of over 3,500 parcels across Oʻahu that will become effective June 10, 2026. These updates are crucial for understanding flood risk island-wide and preparing property owners accordingly. Your role in guiding clients through these changes is vital. Due to these map revisions, some parcels may now be designated as high-risk flood zones, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), for the first time. Properties newly mapped into a SFHA require specific building standards (ROH Chapter 21A – Flood Hazard Areas) and may be subject to mandatory flood insurance requirements. We request your assistance in proactively informing your clients about the FIRM updates, potential impacts on insurance requirements, and new building standards. Given the potential cost burdens, the city has developed the attached flyer providing a list of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy discounts property owners may be eligible for. This flyer has been shared with real estate professionals and the general public, so your clients may be reaching out to learn more. If your firm does not offer private or NFIP-backed flood insurance or discounts, please direct inquirers to FEMA's webpage which hosts a list of NFIP-backed providers. Resources and detailed information about the FIRM updates are available at resilientoahu.org/GetFloodReady. Additionally, FEMA has prepared a special brochure with resources and information, specifically for insurance agents. Thank you for helping our community prepare for and respond to flood risk. Discount Type Savings Eligibility & Availability Newly Mapped 70% of the first $35,000 building and $10,000 contents coverage Primary residence previously in FIRM Zone D, XS, or X is newly mapped into the SFHA (Zones A, AE, AH, AEF, AO, V, or VE). Available once the FIRM becomes effective for the next 12 months (June 10, 2026 - June 10, 2027) OR within 45 days of receiving notice from your lender within 24 months of the effective date. Pre-FIRM 60% of the first $35,000 building and $10,000 contents coverage Primary residence built before 09/03/1980. Property is NOT: commercial, a NFIP “Severe Repetitive Loss Property” or “Substantially Improved” (see ROH Chapter 21A). Available now if property meets these eligibility requirements. Mitigation 5% discount (continuous) Any property on Oʻahu which meets elevation requirements for its foundation, first floor, or machinery & equipment. Available now if property meets the eligibility requirements. Community Rating System (CRS) 10% discount (continuous and applied once policy is fully risk rated) Any property on Oʻahu purchasing a new NFIP flood insurance policy or renewing their policy. Available now if purchasing a new NFIP-backed policy, and automatically applied on renewal of existing policies. Oʻahu Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps Take Effect June 10, 2026: Discounts May Be Available FEMA recently updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Oʻahu, and these changes become effective on June 10, 2026. Any properties newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) with a federally-backed loan or mortgage may be required to obtain a flood insurance policy. Check out the table below for a list of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) discounts you may be eligible for, and talk with your insurance provider to learn more about these options and the best time for you to purchase a policy. Resources FIRM Update & New Maps: resilientoahu.org/getfloodready FEMA Policy Quote Tool: floodsmart.gov/policy-quote/