(BIVN) – A resolution allowing the County of Hawai‘i and United States Geological Survey to continue an agreement for cooperative flood-monitoring on the Big Island was passed by councilmembers on Wednesday.

The Hawai‘i County Council voted to approve Resolution 681-18, in which the county agrees to provide $45,472 to the USGS for the purpose of continuing the cooperative flood-monitoring system on the Island of Hawai`i. “This program is to collect data to map flood-prone areas for land-use management and the planning and designing of flood management systems such as bridges, culverts and levees,” a related communication states.

The Department of Public Works requested that the resolution be waived from the Finance Committee and be placed on the September 19, 2018 Council agenda due to the time-sensitive nature of the agreement.

The short discussion that ensued at the council meeting in Kona was timely. Weeks ago, East Hawai‘i experienced damaging floods from the heavy rains brought by passing Hurricane Lane.

Meanwhile, two important informational meetings on flood, homeowners and hurricane insurance are set for next week. According to a joint news release:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Hawai‘i County invite property owners and renters to an important educational meeting, in Hilo and in Kona, on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and common misconceptions regarding various insurance coverages. FEMA Flood Insurance Specialist, Kathy Graf and DCCA Insurance Division, Education Specialist, Chanel Honda will conduct a formal presentation each night at 6:00 p.m.

DLNR will be available to assist interested individuals in viewing FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) utilizing the Hawai‘i Flood Hazard Assessment Tool. FIRMs can help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures.

Hawai‘i County personnel will help property owners understand the building permit process for repairs or new construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Aupuni Center Conference Room
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 1
Hilo, Hawai‘i

and

Thursday, September 27, 2018, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale
Building G
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i