New Maps Change Flood Oahu Zones

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For the first time in 30 years, government officials are updating information detailing what areas are at risk for flooding. The new flood zone maps could mean homeowners could have to pay more for insurance.

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FEMA Flood-Risk Maps

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New flood boundaries from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are being redrawn from Portlock to Kaena Point.

Thousands of homeowners and businesses could be surprised to learn the neighborhoods are now considered high risk.

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The new maps for Waikiki put the Honolulu Zoo right in the flood zone. Officials are weighing the implications.

"We don't know how extensive a flood would be. If it's a couple of feet it should not be a problem," city coordinator Mario Siu Li said.

Safety for the animals and the general public is a consideration and is part of the emergency planning.

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"Obviously we are at a low water table here and we have contingency to move animals to higher ground should conditions force us to take such action," city Department of Enterprise Services Director Sidney Quintal said.

The implication for homeowners could mean paying for flood insurance where they did not before.

The city says the new maps will probably become official in about a year. Before that happens homeowners need to weigh whether they should be shopping around for the best insurance rates.

"There is probably be no better time to get flood insurance," Li said.

Once the maps are adopted chances are that rates will soar.

"If you purchase at these lower rates FEMA allows you to grandfather that rate," Li said.

Homeowners who live near streams or along the coast are encouraged to attend a meeting Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea District Park in East Honolulu. Officials with the city, state, Army Corps of engineers and FEMA will be on hand to answer questions.

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