COM 0176.103 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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It appears that the current proposals reflect good intentions. However, imposing these requirement will pose undue hardship on agricultural producers in Hawaii County. SWCDs and NRCS have always actively supported efforts to publicize and address the flood problems on the Big Island, especially for West Hawaii. The rapid expansion, on the Kona coast, of housing development, and intensified grading and land modification by new farmers in the past ten years, has raised concerns from the SWCDs, NRCS and other partners. Proponents of wise management of floodplain resources in West Hawaii have advocated for 1) detailed mapping of the floodways and flood zones, 2) strict enforcement of existing floodplain ordinances, 3) responsible conservation planning for farms and ranches, including limitations on grading and opening of forested upper watershed areas, 4) a more open process for review of subdivision and development plans. It appears the drafters of the current proposals intend to resolve the flood issues by two strategies, 1) prevent any runoff from new developments and farms, from rainstorms up to and including the 1 % event, from leaving the property and 2) requiring all new or altered drainageways and watercourses to provide a 100- year storm capacity. Neither is likely to be physically or economically feasible for farmers or developers. Neither is a requirement of the National Flood Insurance Program administered by FEMA. We recommend FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and its model ordinances should be used to guide the improvement of the County of Hawaii's Floodplain Management Program. The relatively unique and pressing flood management issues in West Hawaii should be addressed with more detailed mapping and identification of the flood hazards, better enforcement of the existing regulations, and more transparency in the application and approval process for land modification and development. Next Steos While the current goal is to prevent the proposed ordinance changes from being approved, the long term goal should be the reduction of flood threats throughout the Big Island and, especially, in West Hawaii. Reiterating, flood management issues in West Hawaii should be addressed with more detailed mapping and identification of the flood hazards, better enforcement of the existing regulations, and more transparency in the application and approval process for land modification and development. In addition, the important conservation work carried out by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and NRCS to reduce floodwater discharge, erosion, and flood damage should be recognized. Particular mention in the stormwater