New Flood Maps are Here: What Oahu Homeowners Need to Know About FIRM and Flood Insurance

Flood zones are becoming an increasingly important part of real estate decisions across Oahu. With FEMA’s recent remapping project and changes to how flood insurance premiums are calculated, many homeowners may find that their property’s flood designation and insurance requirements have changed.

Understanding FIRM Basics

A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is an official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. These maps show flood risks and serve as the basis for determining whether or not a property owner is required to carry flood insurance. Search here to see your home in the flood map. 

Within these maps, Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) are defined as zones starting with the letters A or V. Areas designated as Zone D are those where flood hazards are undetermined but possible, while Zone X represents areas of minimal flood hazard.

The Oahu Remapping Project

Started in 2019 and recently finalized, a massive collaborative effort between FEMA, the DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu has updated the flood risk data for Oahu. This project covered over 400 stream miles across the island, resulting in significant changes:

• 172,000 new parcels were added to the updated maps.
• The SFHA has increased by 18,700 properties, meaning more homeowners may now be required to have insurance.
• 55,000 properties have transitioned from the unmapped Zone D into the low-risk Zone X.

Risk Rating 2.0 and Finding Coverage

With the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, flood insurance premiums are now more individualized. Your costs are based on exactly where a building is located, how it is constructed, and the specific coverage levels you select. To find out how this affects you, the best step is to get a quote immediately.

Contact your insurance agent to find an NFIP-backed provider, but don’t stop there. Be sure to compare costs and explore options with private insurers to ensure you are getting the best rate and protection.

Available Discounts

Homeowners should explore several potential discounts to lower their premiums:

• Pre-FIRM discounts for structures built before 1980.
• Newly Mapped rates for those recently brought into a high-risk zone.
• Community Rating System (CRS) discounts for residents in participating communities.
• Mitigation Discounts for taking steps to protect your home from flood damage.

Key Steps Before Buying or Selling

FEMA is a federal agency, and properties with federally backed mortgages must follow strict insurance guidelines. Before entering a real estate transaction, follow these three verification steps:

• Check Past Damage: Contact FEMA or other resources to see if the property has a history of flood claims.
• Verify Construction Disclosures: Ensure you have all details on the building type and construction, as these directly impact coverage costs.
• Consult Multiple Providers: Speak with both federal and private providers to ensure the coverage is sufficient for the specific types of disasters common to that property.