HI| The Hawaii Insurance Division has released Memorandum 2025-14A, updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Oʻahu, changing flood risk designations for over 3,500 parcels effective June 10, 2026, which may newly place properties into Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and trigger both stricter building standards under ROH Chapter 21A and mandatory flood insurance for certain federally backed loans. The Hawaii Insurance Commissioner is asking producers, administrators, and surplus lines brokers to proactively inform clients about these changes, explain potential insurance and construction impacts, and guide them to available NFIP-backed options and FEMA resources, including a special brochure for insurance agents. To help manage cost impacts, the City and County of Honolulu has issued a flyer outlining NFIP discounts (Newly Mapped, Pre-FIRM, Mitigation, and Community Rating System) that can significantly reduce premiums for eligible properties and is already being shared with real estate professionals and the public.
Key Points:
- Available NFIP discounts: The flyer attached to the memo highlights key discounts—Newly Mapped (up to 70% on limited initial coverage for 12 months), Pre-FIRM (up to 60% on limited initial coverage), ongoing Mitigation discounts, and a 10% Community Rating System reduction—for qualifying Oʻahu properties.
- Scope and timing of map changes: Over 3,500 Oʻahu parcels have updated FIRM designations that take effect June 10, 2026, with some properties newly mapped into SFHAs and subject to mandatory flood insurance and ROH Chapter 21A building standards.
- Producer responsibilities: Insurance professionals are expected to proactively brief clients on map changes, required coverage, and construction standards, and, if they do not offer flood products, direct inquirers to FEMA’s list of NFIP-backed insurers and other online resources.