County Eyes Waiakea-Palani Floodplain Changes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Hawaii County Department of Public Works will hold an informational meeting on the current project status of the Waiākea-Palai Flood control improvement project, Palai Stream Flood Study and Insurance Map Revisions.

In April 2014, the Department of Public Works proposed changes to the existing 1988 FIRMs for Palai Stream in South Hilo.

The proposed changes submitted to Federal Emergency Management Agency are based on better topographic data and an improved modeling technique to determine the flood risks and flood insurance rates that help Hawai‘i County with floodplain management, said the DPW Web site.

Owners of property along the stream were sent letters from the County in June informing them of proposed floodplain changes to “Flood Insurance Rate Maps” or FIRMs on their properties and what they can do if a property is mapped incorrectly.

The benefits of updated Palani Stream Flood Study Flood Insurance Rate Maps are expected to be a better understanding of flood hazards for planners, detailed information about where to build, and how to protect a home or business property.

The meeting will also address continued operation and maintenance of Hawai‘i County levee systems, said a DPW release.

The meeting is 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Stanley Costales Waiākea Uka Gym.

Residents who live along Waiākea Stream, Kawailani Street Bridge, Kupulau Road and in the Waiākea Uka area are encouraged to attend.

For information call Public Works at 961-8321.