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inundation, erosion, wildfire, lava flow, seismic activity, or other natural hazards where feasible, consistent with adopted land use policies. (3) Development in hazard areas must reduce risk, not compound it. Development in hazard -prone areas should incorporate appropriate siting, design, and mitigation measures to reduce risk to people, structures, and public infrastructure. (4) Natural systems are critical hazard mitigation infrastructure. Natural systems, including wetlands, floodplains, dunes, reefs, forests, and other landscape features that provide protective functions, should be preserved and restored as cost-effective hazard mitigation measures. (5) Nature -based solutions should be prioritized whenever practicable. Hazard mitigation strategies should prioritize nature -based and non-structural solutions before structural or engineered interventions where practicable. (6) Hazard planning must be coordinated across County services. The County should coordinate hazard planning with infrastructure investment, emergency management, and capital improvement programs to reduce risk and improve long-term resilience. Section 4-4-2. Actions. (a) Use development standards to limit exposure in high -risk areas. The planning department and the department of public works shall evaluate and recommend land use regulations or development standards that limit or discourage intensive development in high -risk hazard areas and mitigate potential impacts of developments within these areas. (b) Design and maintain infrastructure to reduce flood and erosion risk. The department of public works shall design, construct, and maintain drainage and stormwater infrastructure that reduces flooding, erosion, and runoff impacts consistent with adopted master plans. (c) Protect and restore natural drainage and floodplain systems. The department of public works and the planning department shall prioritize the protection and restoration of natural drainageways, wetlands, and floodplains that provide stormwater storage and flood mitigation benefits. (d) Public education is essential to community preparedness. The civil defense agency, in coordination with other County departments, shall continue public education and outreach programs regarding tsunami, hurricane, flood, wildfire, volcanic, and seismic hazards. (e) Hazard data must be kept current and accessible. The planning department shall coordinate with State and federal agencies to update hazard maps and incorporate new data into County planning processes as it becomes available. (f) External funding should support hazard mitigation and resilience. The department of research and development shall pursue grants and partnerships that support hazard mitigation, resilience planning, and infrastructure improvements. 30