Flood Zones: Kailua vs Urban Honolulu
How do flood zones rules compare between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Kailua and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Much of low-lying Kailua sits in FEMA-mapped flood zones, and ROH Chapter 21A sets elevation, foundation, and variance standards for development in these areas.
View full Kailua 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 | Kailua | 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.
Kailua FAQ
Do I need flood insurance in Kailua?
Many Kailua properties are in flood zones where federally backed mortgages require flood insurance; check the FEMA map for your parcel.
Can I finish a ground floor below base flood elevation?
Only limited, flood-resistant uses are allowed below base flood elevation; habitable finishes generally are not permitted without a variance.
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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