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Hawaii Developers Council <br /> c/o 44-420 Kaneohe Bay Drive <br /> Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 - <br /> May 15, 2007 <br /> The Honorable Pete Hoffman, Chairperson <br /> Members of the Hawaii County Council <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Facsimile: (808) 961-8912 <br /> Subject: Bill 51, amendments to Chapter 27 <br /> Dear Chairperson Hoffman and Members of the Hawaii County Council, <br /> This letter is to provide The Hawaii Developers Council concerns regarding <br /> recent amendments to Bill 51 relating to Chapter 27 of the Hawaii County Code <br /> 1983 (2005 edition). <br /> The National Flood Insurance Program (NIFP) is requiring local governments <br /> bring local codes and regulations into conformance with recent changes to NIFP <br /> regulations by September, 2007 in order for homeowners and businesses in <br /> these local areas to remain eligible for funds in the event of a flood disaster. In <br /> response the Department of Public Works (DPW) proposed revisions to Chapter <br /> 27 in the original drafting of Bill 51. <br /> Subsequently, Bill 51 has undergone amendments that go beyond intent of <br /> Chapter 27 and complying with NIFP regulations. <br /> We strongly support amendments to Chapter 27 to bring the chapter into <br /> compliance with NIFP regulations. NIFP regulations provide a consistent and <br /> nationally recognized set of standards by which flooding hazards are evaluated. <br /> Provided that local codes and regulations comply with the NIFP regulations, <br /> homeowners, business owners and other have access to favorable flood <br /> insurance rates that would otherwise be unavailable. <br /> However, we oppose changing the intent and scope of Chapter 27 beyond <br /> compliance with NIFP regulations as it could jeopardize Hawaii County residents <br /> <br /> and businesses access to favorable flood insurance rates and eligible funds in <br /> <br /> the event of a flood disaster. <br /> <br />