Welcome to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Flood Hazard Assessment Tool (FHAT)
What is the FHAT?
The FHAT is an online mapping tool that allows users to view flood hazard information for the Hawaiian Islands. The tool was developed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Benefits of using the FHAT
- Determine if a property is located in a flood hazard area.
- Get information about the flood risks associated with a property.
- Make informed decisions about flood insurance and mitigation measures.
What are flood zones in Hawaii?
The State of Hawaii has multiple flood zones for rainfall. The basic non-coastal zones defined by FEMA are:
- Zone X: Areas outside the 500-year floodplain.
- Zone A: Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding.
- Zone B: Areas with a 0.2% annual chance of flooding.
- Zone C: Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding from a 24-hour rainfall event.
In addition to these FEMA flood zones, the State of Hawaii also has several additional flood zones, including:
- Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): Areas that have a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding.
- Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA): Areas that are subject to wave action and flooding from tsunamis, storm surges, and high-energy waves.
- Floodway: Areas that are essential for the conveyance of floodwaters.
How to use the FHAT
To use the FHAT, simply enter an address or property ID into the search bar. The tool will then display a map of the property, along with information about the flood hazards in the area.
Conclusion
The FHAT is a valuable tool for anyone who is interested in learning more about flood risks in Hawaii. The tool can be used to make informed decisions about flood insurance and mitigation measures, and to help protect property from flood damage.