Flood Zones: East Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do flood zones rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Development in East Honolulu's FEMA-mapped flood zones falls under ROH Chapter 21A, which governs special flood hazard areas, flood fringe elevation standards, and flood variance procedures.
View full East Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu's Mapunapuna, Waikiki fringe, and Kakaako makai properties lie in FEMA special flood hazard areas adopted under ROH Sec. 21A-1.5, with elevation and floodproofing required under Sec. 21A-1.8.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Authority | - | ROH Chapter 21A |
| Map source | - | FEMA FIRM |
| Elevation rule | - | Sec. 21A-1.8 |
| Variance | - | Sec. 21A-1.12 |
| Urban hot spots | - | Mapunapuna, Waikiki, Kakaako |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
How do I know if my Aina Haina home is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted under Sec. 21A-1.5 through the city's GIS or the FEMA map service center to determine your property's flood zone designation.
What elevation must new construction meet?
Under Sec. 21A-1.8, new construction in the flood fringe must be elevated to or above base flood elevation, with specific requirements depending on the flood zone designation.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Is Mapunapuna really in a flood zone?
Yes. FEMA FIRMs adopted under Sec. 21A-1.5 place much of Mapunapuna in a special flood hazard area, with chronic tidal flooding driving elevation and floodproofing requirements.
Can a Waikiki tower project get a flood variance?
Only under Sec. 21A-1.12 hardship standards, which are narrowly applied. Urban Honolulu variances are rare, and denials preserve NFIP insurance rating for surrounding structures.
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