HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0598.026 2006-2008 tV Os M
••!yy Phone: (808) 326-5421
BRENDA J FORD S` lad Fax: (808) 329- 4786
Council Member E-Mail: bford@co.hawaii.hi.us
District 7 -Central Kona •
•••lt Q~•„'~
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawaii
Kailua Trade Cenrer .
75-5706 Hanama Place, Suite l09 _
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 "
DATE: November 6, 2007
TO: Pete Hoffmann, Chair, and
Members of the Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
FROM: Brenda Ford, Council Member, District 7
RE: Submitting Proposed Amendments to Bill 151, D2, Relating to Floodplains
and Other Flood Hazazd Areas
Submitted for the Council's consideration are a series of amendments to Bill 151, D2, relating
to floodplains and other flood hazard areas. A description of the proposed amendments
follows. In these descriptions ramseyerin¢ is used to show the proposed changes to the initial
draft of bill 151.
1. Page 6 SECTION 7 (Amends section 27-12)
Bill 151 D2 was changed by adding the following definition:
"Buffer zones" are azeas bordering_and within 50 feet of special flood hazard
areas with base flood elevations depth numbers specified in feet on the FIRM or
other azeas that have been studied and identified with base flood elevations or
d~th numbers."
2. Pages 6-8, 12 SECTION 7 (Amends section 27-12)
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending the following definitions as follows:
"[(I-}j] "Development" means any man-made change to improved or
unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures,
Comm: Ho• q ~ ~
Ref. Toe h~ ~ •
Ref. Dote V Q ~
November 6, 2007
Page 2
mining, dredging, filling, stockpiling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling
operations or storage of equipment or materials."
"[(23j] "Floodplain administrator" is the individual appointed to administer and
enforce the floodplain management regulations. This person shall be the director
of public works of the County of Hawaii or the director's duly authorized
representative who shall be a currently licensed professional engineer in the
State of Hawaii "
"Floodplain management regulations" means zoning ordinances,
subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, and special purpose
ordinances such as a floodplain ordinance or an erosion and sedimentation
control ordinance) and other applications of police cower. The term describes
such federate state or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which
provide standards for the pumose of flood damag~revention and reduction."
"[(3A)] "Fraud and victimization" related to article 5, variances, of this chapter
means that the variance granted must not cause fraud on or victimization of the
public. In examining this requirement, the director of public works will consider
the fact that every newly constructed [huilcling] structure adds to government
responsibilities and remains a part of the community for fifty to one hundred
years. [Buildings] Structures that are permitted to be constructed below the
base flood elevation are subject during all those years to increased risk of
damage from floods, while future owners of the property and anv structure(s)
and the community as a whole are subject to all the costs, inconvenience,
danger, and suffering that those increased flood damages bring. In addition,
future owners may purchase the structure(s), unaware that it is
subject to potential flood damage, and the structure(s) can be insured only at
very high flood insurance rates."
"[(~3~] "Riverine" means relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including
tributaries), stream, brook, etc. whether intermittent or perennial."
3. SECTION 9 Amends section 27-16
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending the following paragraphs:
A) Pages 15-16 Paragraphs 27-16(1)(C) - (D) were amended as follows:
"[(3j] ~ All permits and proposals shall be reviewed to determine that the
proposed building site is reasonably safe from flooding;[aud]
For proposed building sites in flood-prone areas where special flood
hazard areas have not been defined, water surface elevations have not
been provided, and there is insufficient data to identify the floodwav or
coastal high hazard areas but the flood plain administrator has
determined that there are indications that such hazards are present, all
new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures and
_
November 6, 2007
Page 3
substantial improvements (including the placement of manufactured
homes) shall be:
(The rest of~aragraph (D) remains as amended by bill 1 SI D2.)
B) Page 16 Paragraph 27-16(1)(F) was amended as follows:
Require and maintain a copy of the title and sienature page of all State
and/or Federal permits that are required in association with individual
department of public works (DPW) grubbing and grading_permit
applications. Failure of the applicant to provide copies of such State
and/or Federal permits shall result in denial and/or revocation of
applicant's DPW's permit(s). This provision, i.e. paragraph 27-16(1)(F),
upon approval of this ordinance, shall take effect on June 1,
2008."
C) Pages 16-17 Paragraph 27-16(2)(G) was amended as follows:
Require and maintain a copy of the title and sienatute paces of all State
and/or Federal permits associated with >?rubbine and/or rading~ermit
applications submitted to the department of public works pursuant to this
chapter and use adequate internal controls to safeguard and preserve the
information. This provision, i.e. paragraph 27-16(2)(G), upon approval
of this ordinance, shall take effect on June 1, 2008."
D) Page 17 Paragraph 27-16(4)(A) was amended as follows:
Requirement to submit new technical data.
(A) Whenever there are changes made or discovered within a
floodplain that increase or decrease BFE or faltex-the
l~eundariesj result in aFIRM-mappable alteration of the
boundaries of any special flood hazazd azea. as soon as practical,
but no later than six months after the date such information
becomes available, the floodplain administrator shall notify the
Federal Emergency Management Agency of the changes by
submitting technical or scientific data through the Letter of Map
Revision process. Such a submission is necessary so that upon
confirmation of those physical changes affecting flooding
conditions, risk premium rates and floodplain management
requirements will be based upon current data."
E) Pages 17-19 Paragraphs 27-16(6 - (8) were amended as follows:
"[(t~] ~ Whenever [a] a~watercourse is to be altered or relocated:
November 6, 2007
Page 4
[(~j] ~ Require that the [fl flood-carryin~ capacity of
the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse is
maintained; and
B~ For riverine situations, [~Ieftf}°] the State of Hawaii
department of land and natural resources (division of water
resource management), [and] all adjacent property owners,
and all downhill property owners within 2000 feet or
three Tax Map Keys whichever is ereater, prior to such
alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence
of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration,
Federal Emergency Management Agency. The director of
public works, the floodplain administrator, or desienated
person(s) shall ^ ~a°~°~a°~' ~ ° ° e€] evaluate the
representation(s) contained within any Federal Emergency
Management Agency map revision request prepared by an
applicant or an applicant's agent.
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(C) Whenever a proposed alteration or relocation occurs that
would chance the base flood elevation or result iu a
FIRM-mappable alteration of the boundaries of any
special flood hazard area, the flood plain administrator shall
ensure that the applicant prepares and submits an application
for a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and
provides sufficient technical and scientific data to satisfy
the CLOMR process. The application and the technical and
scientific data shall be submitted to and for the approval of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Such a
submission is necessary so that upon completion of those
physical changes affecting flooding conditions, risk premium
rates and floodplain management re uirements will be based
upon current data. Work to be performed under an approved
CLOMR shall be subject to the following_
[~B~] ~ [ ]Work
shall not begin on any on-site development affectingor
impacting the floodplain until an approved fEend+tienal
November 6, 2007
Page 5
] CLOMR is received from the
Federal Emereenc~Management Aeency;
ii Within sixty (60) days of receiving final approval
from the director of public works for the completion
of the alteration or relocation of a watercourse, the
request for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMRI, and
all other information required by the LOMR process,
including "as built" plans shall be submitted to the
flood plain administrator. Failure to deliver the
foregoing to the floodplain administrator by the end
of the sixty (601 day period shall be a violation of this
cheater and each additional day thereafter that the
foregoing is not delivered shall be an additional
violation of this chapter.
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iii The [ ' ]floodplain
administrator 1 shall make
an [indeAendent review] evaluation of the
representation(s)contained within any Federal
Emergency Management Agency maa revision
request Prepared bV an applicant or an applicant's
agent, to include a review for completeness of
required information and a field visit to review
general consistency with visible site conditions.
[
(7) Distinguish and record other areas of flooding identified by the
county or residents of the county as flood areas and advise FEMA of
areas not previously identified on FIRMS.
~ Take action to remedy violations of this chapter as specified in
article 6."
_ . r
November 6, 2007
Page 6
4. SECTION 10 of bill 151 D2 Amends section 27-12, HCC
A) Page 19 Subsection 27-17(a) was amended as follows:
"(al Special flood hazard areas.
Pre-construction and post-construction certification of elevation and
floodproofing of new construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, development, and substantial improvements within azeas of
special flood hazards and buffer zones shall be submitted to the director of
public works and shall be maintained as a matter of public record...."
(The rest ofsubsection (a) remains as amended by bill ISl D2.)
B) Page 20 Subsection 27-17(b) was amended as follows:
"(b) Other areas: Zone X (shaded [a~uns#~xdeFl]Z
Approval of the certificate of occupancy shall include a completed elevation
certificate provided by the department of public works. The certification
shall be completed by the propertyowner, land surveyor, civil engineer, or
architect currently licensed in the State of Hawaii. The certification shall be
based on actual construction."
5. Pages 20-25 SECTION 11 (Amends section 27-18)
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending section 27-18 as follows:
"Section 27-18. Standards for construction.
(a) Special flood hazard areas.
Standards for construction within areas of special flood hazards aze established
as follows:
[(-a)] ~ Anchoring.
[f-1~] ~ New construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures and substantial improvements shall be
adequately anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral
movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic
and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.
All manufactured homes, including mobile homes, shall
meet all standards for structures.
~ Construction materials and methods.
[(-1-j] ~ New construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvement shall be
constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant
to flood damage.
November 6, 2007
Page 7
~ New construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvement shall be
constructed using methods and practices that minimize
flood damage.
[(3~] New construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvement shall be designed
and constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation,
plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service
facilities including, but not limited to, furnaces, heat
pumps, hot water heaters, washers, dryers, elevator lift
equipment, electrical junction boxes, circuit breaker
boxes, and food freezers that are located above the base
flood elevation.
[(-0~] D~ Within Zones V and VE, new construction, improvements
to repetitive loss structures, and substantial improvements
shall comply with the standards of section 27-23.
Recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones AH
and AE on the FIRM shall be elevated and anchored or be
on the site for less than one hundred eighty consecutive
days or be fully licensed and highway ready.
Within special flood hazard areas where the grade
between the highest and lowest elevations of the
natural ground surface prior to construction exceeds
ten percent, creation of impermeable surfaces will be
limited to no more than forty percent of the total land
within the special flood hazard area. This section shall
not be applied when drainage disposal improvements
are provided in accordance with a paragraph 27-26(b)
or if proposed impermeable surfaces are being
constructed according to a Conditional Letter of Map
Revision (CLOMR) approved by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. All new
construction shall comply with all other applicable
provisions of this section. This provision, i.e.
paragraph 27-18(a)(2)(F), upon approval of this
ordinance, shall take effect on [j June 1,
2008.
[Fillieg.] Encroachments.
Within a floodway, [fylling] encroachments (including
filll, new construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, substantial improvements, and other
developments, shall be prohibited unless certified by a
professional civil engineer [registered] licensed in the
November 6, 2007
Page 8
State of Hawai `i, with supporting data, that the
encroachment will not cause any increase in base flood
elevations during the occurrence of the base flood
discharge.
Require, until a re¢ulatorv floodway is designated, that
no new construction, imnrovements to repetitive loss
structures, substantial imnrovements, or other
development (including fill), shall be nermitted within
Zones AE on the FIRM, unless demonstrated that the
cumulative effect of the nroposed development, when
combined with all other existing and anticipated
devel~ment, will not increase the water surface elevation
of the base flood at anent [
~ Within all zones of special flood hazards, but not
including [gene-z4~--and] floodways, filling which would
result in the blockage or impediment of flow and/or
induce or aggravate flooding shall be prohibited unless
certified by a professional civil engineer [registered]
licensed in the State of Hawaii, with supporting data, that
the encroachment will not cause any increase in base
flood elevations during the occurrence of the base flood
discharge.
[(3j] DLL Within floodway fringe areas, filling to elevate the lowest
floor of a nonresidential structure may only be permitted
where the structure:
[FAj] ~ Is floodproofed so that below the base flood
elevation plus anv required freeboard, the
structure is watertight with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water, and
[(~j] ii Has structural components capable of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the
effects of buoyancy.
[f4j] ~E In Zones V and VE, filling and the use of fill material for
structural support of buildings shall be prohibited.
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November 6, 2007
Page 9
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~ Elevation and Floodproofing.
[(-I-j] ~ Within Zones AE and AH:
~ For residential new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements[e], [The] the lowest
floor shall be elevated to [er aloe] the base
flood elevationplus a freeboard of at least one
foot.
ii For nonresidential new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures and
substantial improvements[:], the lowest floor
shall be elevated or floodproofed to the base
flood elevation plus fal the required
freeboard f 1. If the lowest
floor is below the base flood elevation, then
the structure together with attendant utility and
sanitary facilities shall be designed, [and]
constructed, and certified by a [~iseresed]
professional civil engineer or architect
licensed in the State of Hawaii, such that:
as The structure is watertight below
the base flood elevation plus the
required freeboard.
[(-iii] ~ The walls are substantially
impermeable to the passage of
water.
[(-iii-}] cc The structural components are
capable of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and the effects
of buoyancy.
[fGj] iii Within Zone AH, new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvement shall be required to
provide adequate drainage paths around
November 6, 2007
Page 10
structures on slopes to guide [€Ieedivatees]
floodwaters azound and away from proposed
structures.
iv Fully enclosed azeas below the lowest floor
that aze useable solely for parking of vehicles,
buildine access, or storage in an area other
than a basement and which are subiect to
flooding, shall be desiened to automatically
equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior
walls by allowin¢ for the entry and exit of
floodwaters. Designs for meeting this
requirement must either be certified by a
[lam] professional civil engineer or
architect licensed in the State of Hawaii or
meet or exceed the following_criteria: A
minimum of two openings having a total net
area of not less than one square inch for every
square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding shall be provided. Each opening
must be on different sides of the enclosed area.
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher
than one foot above grade. Openings may be
equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or
other coverings or devices provided that they
permit the automatic entry and [exist] exit of
floodwaters.
[~j] ~ Within Zone AO:
[EAj] ~ For [xew] residential new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements[-]~[~he] the lowest
floor shall be elevated above the highest
adjacent grade at least [as-kig~k-es] one foot
above the depth number specified in feet on
the FIRM, or at least [five} three feet if no
depth number is specified.
[(-l~] ii For nonresidential new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements[-], the lowest floor
shall be elevated or completely floodproofed
above the highest adjacent grade at least one
foot above the depth number specified in feet
on the FIRM, or at least [five] three feet if no
depth number is specified. If the lowest floor
is [hele~the oi,......:,.., ..ec _,...,.va
November 6, 2007
Page 11
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° °~~°al to be completely
floodproofed, then the structure together with
attendant utility and sanitary facilities, shall be
designed, [end] constructed and certified by a
[liseHSecl]professional civil engineer or
architect licensed in the State of Hawaii, such
that:
[(3j] ~ The structure is watertight below
the referenced flood elevation.
[(-iii] ~ The walls are substantially
impermeable to the passage of
water.
[(-iiij] cc The structural components are
capable of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and the effects
of buoyancy.
iii New construction, improvements to repetitive
loss structures, and substantial improvement
shall be required to provide adequate drainage
paths around structures on slopes to guide
floodwaters around and away from proposed
structures.
[(3~] ~ Within Zones V and VE: New construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures, and substantial
improvement shall comply with the standards of section
27-23.
[(-0~] ~D Within Zone A: New construction, improvements to
repetitive loss structures, and substantial improvement
shall comply with the standards of section 27-24.
~ Certification Requirements.
All new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvement within areas of special flood hazazd shall be
certified as required by the standards of section 27-17.
Buffer zones: Areas borderin¢ and within 50 feet of a special flood hazard
areas with base flood elevations, death numbers specified in feet on the
FIRM or other areas that have been studied and identified with base flood
elevations or depth numbers.
For residential new construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvements, the lowest floor shall
November 6, 2007
Page 12
be elevated to the borderine base flood elevation or depth
number plus a freeboard of at least one foot.
For nonresidential new construction, improvements to repetitive
loss structures, and substantial improvements, the lowest floor
shall be elevated or floodproofed to the borderine base flood
elevation or depth number plus a freeboard of at least one foot.
If the lowest floor is below the bordering base flood elevation or
depth number plus the required freeboard, then a currently
licensed professional engineer or architect in the State of Hawaii
shall develop and/or review structural design, specifications and
plans for construction and shall certify that the design and
methods of construction are in accordance with accepted
standards of practice for the structure together with attendant
utility and sanitary facilities such that:
The structure is watertight below the borderine base
flood elevation or depth number plus the required
freeboard.
The walls are substantially impermeable to the
passage of water.
The structural components are capable of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of
buoyancy.
New construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures,
and substantial improvements, shall be required to provide a
drainage path around and away from proposed structures.
When topographical or ground elevation data, submitted by a
civil engineer or land surveyor currently licensed in the State of
Hawaii, shows that the proposed building site is higher than the
elevation requirements of paragraph 27-18(b)(1) and 27-18(b)(2),
the flood plain regulations of this chapter shall not be applicable.
This provision, i.e. subsection 27-18(b), upon approval of this
ordinance, shall take effect on June 1, 2008.
(c) Other areas: Zone X (shaded
(1) For new construction, the lowest floor shall be elevated at least Itwe
feetl one foot above the highest adjacent grade of the building
footprint.
For concrete basements with habitable room(sl. the sill plate shall be
at least one foot above the highest adjacent grade of the building
footprint..
New construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements, shall be required to provide a drainage
path around and away from proposed structures.
November 6, 2007
Page 13
The director or designated representative may waive this requirement
when topographical f `'`'~1 or Eround elevation data
submitted by a civil eneineer or land survevor fear-renElyl licensed
in the State of Hawaii, ftedieatesl shows that f~
1 the proposed
buildin¢ site is higher than the elevation requirements of
paragraph 27-18(bl(11 and 27-18(b)(21 the flood plain re¢ulations
of this chapter shall not be applicable This provision, i.e. subsection
27-18(bl upon approval of this ordinance shall take effect on
f"=~=1 June 1, 2008.
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6. SECTION 13 Amends section 27-20
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending the following paragraphs:
A) Page 26 Paragraph 27-20(a)(1) was amended as follows:
"(a) Special flood hazard areas.
All new subdivisions and other developments reguirin¢ a
ep Cmit within areas of special flood hazards
n n v a shall:
-rte
[(-1~] ~ Be consistent with the need to minimize flood
damage;
~ Have public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas,
electrical, and water systems, located and constructed
to minimize flood damage; and
[(3~] ~ Have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure
to flood damage."
November 6, 2007
Page 14
B) Page 28 Subsection 27-20(b) was amended as follows:
"(b) Other areas: Zone X (shaded [ate-~sbaAesl]Z
All new subdivisions and other developments requiring a permit within
areas designated as Zone X (shaded) f 1 shall
comply with the following
(1) The floodplain administrator shall require and maintain a
c~y of the title and signature Wages of all necessarypermits
from those governmental agencies from which approval is
re~c uired by Federal or State law, including section 404 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972
33 U.S.C. 1334. This provision, i.e. paragraph 27-20(b)(1),
upon approval of this ordinance, shall take effect on 1114arelr
3Jl June 1, 2008.
(2) If the floodplain administrator determines that there are
indications of flood hazard present, the floodplain
administrator shall require the applicant to determine the base
flood elevations."
7. Page 32 SECTION 18 (Amends subsection 27-26(b))
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending the subsection 27-26(b) as follows:
"(b) This standazd shall be subject to the following exception:
All new subdivisions and developments, requiring a site drainage plan pursuant
to the zoning code, section 25-2-72(31, except single-family dwellings,
duplexes, and ohana dwellings, shall be required to dispose of the difference
between the pre-development dischazge amount and the post-development
discharge amount based on the expected one-hour, 25-year storm event. The
standard created by this subsection shall prevail until such time that the
department of public works "Storm Drainage Standazds," dated October 1970,
or any approved revision, is amended to conform to either the expected one-
hour, 25-year storm event or to a higher standazd if required by the floodplain
administrator or this chanter. 1T'-° °G ° ~°'-'°-°°'°~°a
' ` .'1 This provision, i.e. subsection 27-
26(b), upon approval of this ordinance, shall take effect on 1114areb-3-11 June 1,
2008."
8. Page 33 SECTION 19 (Amends paragrapb 27-27(3)(B))
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending paragraph 27-27(3)(B) as follows:
B~ A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in
exceptional "hardship" (as defined in section 27-12) to the applicant.
November 6, 2007
Page 15
Under this criteria, the hardship that would result from failure to grant a
requested variance must be exceptional, unusual, and peculiar to the
property involved. Economic or financial hardship alone is not
exceptional. Inconvenience, aesthetic considerations, physical
[I~e~ieaps] challenges, personal preferences, or the disapproval of
one's neighbors cannot, generally, qualify as exceptional hardship.
Under this criteria, for example, a member of a household is [pltysiesllg
hendieapped] nhvsically challenged and wants a variance to build the
dwelling unit at grade or at a lower level for access purposes. A variance
should not be issued because the owner can construct a ramp or elevator
to meet flood requirements. Elevation will allow the infirm or
[l~aedieapped] physically challenged person to be evacuated in the
early stage of flooding, and, if there is insufficient warning or help in
evacuating that person, then, in all likelihood, he can survive the flood
by simply remaining in the home safely above the levels of [fleed
.,rte] floodwaters;"
9. Page 36 SECTION 22 (Amends paragraph 27-34(b))
Bill 151 D2 was changed by amending subsection 27-34(b) as follows:
"(b) The order may require the party responsible for the violation to do any or all of
the following:
(1) Correct the violation within the time specified in the order;
(2) Pay a civil fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 in the
manner, at the place, and before the date specified in the order;
(3) Pay a civil fine of not less than $500 per day and not more than $1,000
per day for each day that the violation persists, in the manner and at the
time and place specified in the order[:];
L4) Pav a civil fine of $1,000 der day for violating the provisions of section
27-16(6)1(-~11(C)."
10. Page 37 SECTION 26
Bill 151 was changed by amending SECTION 26 of the bill as follows:
"SECTION 26. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval, provided that the
provisions of this ordinance that amend paragraph 27-16(1)(F), paragraph 27-16(2)(G),
paragraph 27-18(a)(3)(F), paragraph 27-18 (b)(4), paragraph 27-18(c)(4), paragraph 27-
20(a)(4)(E), paragraph 27-20(b)(1), and subsection 27-26(b) shall take effect on
[114eveh-34] June 1, 2008."
November 6, 2007
Page 16
Aversion of the bill that incorporates the proposed amendments is attached. In this attached
version, ramseyering is used to show the differences between the language in the bill and the
existing language contained in the County Code.
Thank you.
BF/lc
Enclosure
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 27, FLOOD CONTROL, HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), RELATING TO FLOODPLAINS AND
OTHER FLOOD HAZARD AREAS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The purpose of this ordinance is to revise Chapter 27 to comply with
current National Flood Insurance Program regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 44, Parts 59 through 79; establish drainage improvement standazds to control stormwater
quality and runoff quantities generated by developments; establish requirements for
structures that suffer repetitive losses due to flooding; clarify and restrict substantial
improvements; and correct various inconsistencies found in the chapter.
SECTION 2. Chapter 27, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), is
amended, by amending the title to read:
"Chapter 27
[ ] FLOODPLAINS AND OTHER FLOOD HAZARD AREAS"
SECTION 3. Chapter 27, article 1, sections 27-1, 27-3, and 27-4, Hawaii County Code
1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), are amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-I. Statutory authority.
This chapter is enacted pursuant to the U.S. National Flood Insurance Act of 1968
(Public Laws 90-418 and 91-152), as amended, and the U.S. Flood Disaster Protection
Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-234), as amended. In addition, the Legislature of the State of
Hawaii has in Hawaii Revised Statutes '^'O`, " °`,'n ~ nn ] 46-1.5(5), 46-
1.5(14), 46-11, 46-11.5, and 46-12 conferred upon the various counties the authority to
adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its
citizenry."
"Section 27-3. Purpose.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general
welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific
areas by provisions designed:
[(a~] ~ To protect human life and health;
To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
[(ej] To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding
and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
~ To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
[(e31(~ To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas
mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas
of special flood hazard;
[(#3] ~ To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and
development of areas of special flood hazard [se-as] to minimize future flood
blight areas;
[(g)] ~ To assist in notifying potential buyers that property is in an area of special
flood hazard; [and]
To ensure that those who occupy areas of special flood hazard assume
responsibility for their actions[.]
To reduce flood damage by one property owner to nei hg boring_properties or
to the community in general."
"Section 27-4. Scope and methods.
In order to accomplish its purposes, this chapter includes methods and provisions [€er] to:
[(-a)](~ [Restricting] Restrict or [~reh+k~iHt~g] rop hibit uses which are dangerous to
health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in
damaging increases in erosion or flood heights or velocities;
[(~)]~2) [fig] Re uire that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which
serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial
construction;
[(c~](3) Control the alteration or relocation of natural floodplains,
[gels] watercourses, and natural protective barriers, which help
accommodate or channel [fleed-waters] floodwaters;
[(~](4) Control fill, grading, dredging, and other development which
may increase flood damage; and
[(t~](5) [preventing] Prevent or [regulating] regulate the construction of flood barriers
which will unnaturally divert [fleed-waters] floodwaters or which may
increase flood hazards in other areas."
SECTION 4. Chapter 27, article 2, section 27-5, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-5. Applicability.
~ This chapter shall apply to_
2
[all] All areas [ ]identified by the Federal
[lasaraxee ~ak~d~dstra£den] Emergency Management Agency in a
scientific and engineering report entitled "Flood Insurance Study," dated
[T••'°
1,~--.~1°O^~,] Anri12, 2004, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate
Maps and all [sabse~ent] future changes, revisions and amendments[;] to
these documents. axd] These azeas are as follows:
~A) Floodway fringe -Zones AE, AH, and AO.
(B) Floodway.
(C) Coastal high hazard (tsunami) - Zones V and VE.
(D) General floodplain -Zone A.
~E) Land adiacent to drainage facilities, and Zone A99.
(F) Other areas - Zone X (shaded) and Zone X (unshaded).
[skald-~pl3~-te-all] All areas outside the identified special flood hazard
areas that [easei~assiag] encompass and are adjacent to a river, stream,
stormwater channel, outfall azea, or other inland water or drainage facility
determined by the director of public works to be subject to flood hazards.
fTl. ..1 fl..,.A 1... ~..«,l C 11...:,~.
~lTllBBd~ra3+-€ringe nn nu .,,,,a nn
C~\ l~,.°°.°11,:,.1, L.....°«.1 7...,~ \I l7L'
ins ~°..°«..1 a,.°a..l°:., n
C~7 T ,.,1:....°«t ,l«,.:..°..° f °:l:ti°~ na 7....° n nn l
(b) This chapter shall not apply to: JJ
(1) Any building permit lawfully issued prior to May 5, 1982 or building
permit application properly filed and accepted for review prior to May 5,
1982, provided that approval was obtained without any significant changes
in plans or specifications made after May 5, 1982.
(2) Roadway and site improvements for subdivisions for which tentative
approval had been granted prior to May 5, 1982 and where roadway and
site improvement construction and grading plans had received all
necessary agency approvals by May 5, 1982.
(3) Caznivals, luaus, fairs, and camping tents of a temporary nature which are
not in a floodway.
(4) [~'°-•F ~~°a, ~°°°'°•~°'°a] Non-fenced, at- rg ade outdoor swimming pools.
(5) Signs that are not in a floodway.
(6) Demolition."
3
SECTION 5. Chapter 27, article 2, section 27-6, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-6. Basis.
The areas of special flood hazard identified by the
^ a«,:«~~`-°`~°° Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Flood Insurance
Study dated [T~~t° t t Ayril 2, 2004, along with all subsequent revisions and
amendments, and the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, dated Auri12, 2004, May 16, 1994,
July 16, 1990, and September 16, 1988, and all future ch~anees, revisions, and
amendments to these documents, are hereby adopted and declared to be a part of this
chapter. [Tt,:.. Dt°°a r«...._....,.,. c...,t.. „«a ..,.°«a,.«. ..,:.t.. «,T.,,o.. „«a .
c-l~te~] The Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps, [;ended] and
all future changes, revisions, and amendments to these documents, are on file at the
Aupuni Center, Department of Public Works, 101 Pauahi Street, [l~eeta] Suite 7, Hilo,
Hawaii 96720.
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> >
nn~~n «a Tn°« T«a°., « «°t ° t.°.°t....,a,.«.°a ..«a a°,.t.,.°a t.° °c.t,:..
!1 \ T1.° TR.,., 1 ~ 1 nnn L'1.....7 T«......,.«,.,. Ca.. A.. ..l...ll ««1°.....°«~ rh° T..I. 1 ~
e ~
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> >
«a Tn°« r«a°., « «°t >,°_°T... °a°«.°a °«a a°°t~«°a ° °c.t,:.. ,.t.,,«.°«
it \ Tl.,. r..«° ~ t nnc Dt°,.a T«~,..,,«,.° c.,..t....t,.,n ««t°.,,°«. ,t.° Tn.,., t ~
t nnn „«a T.,t., t ~ t nnn ct,.,.a r«..... o c.,,,t:o~
~?~"l=k Tc~' DT~rels-99a~'z7l~sha'~:--=ePlase tke TD~s-o°~~.~
C~\ Tt_,. r.._,. ~ r nnc T,r..« r«a,.., «,.«,.t ..t..tt ..,,«t°,.° .t,,. Tn,,.. t c t nnn nn,.«
SECTION 6. Chapter 27, article 2, section 27-8, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-8. Other laws and regulations.
All construction and improvements subject to this chapter shall comply with other
applicable laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the zoning, building,
electricity, plumbing, subdivision, erosion and sedimentation control chapters of the
Hawaii County Code, and the storm drainage standards, October 1970 edition, or later
revisions, of the County of Hawaii. This chapter, designed to reduce flood losses, shall
take precedence over any less restrictive, conflicting laws, ordinances, and regulations.
4
This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements,
covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another chapter,
easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more
stringent restrictions shall prevail.
In the event of a conflict between this chapter and the National Flood Insurance
Program and Related Regulations (NFIP), as amended, the [,.,r.n°] more restrictive
provision will govern."
SECTION 7. Chapter 27, article 2, section 27-12, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-12. Definitions.
[(aj] Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be
interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this
chapter its most reasonable application.
"Accessory use" means a use which is incidental and subordinate to the principal
use of the pazcel of land on which it is located.
"Appeal" means a request for a review of the floodplain administrator's
interpretation of any provision of this chapter or denial of a request for a vaziance.
{{3)] "Area of shallow flooding" means a designated AO or AH zone on the Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The base flood depths range from one to three feet[;]
where:
[a] A cleazly defined channel does not exist;
[the] The path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate; and
Velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by
ponding or sheet flow.
[(4)] "Backfill" means the placement of fill material within a specified depression, hole
or excavation pit below the surrounding adjacent ground level as a means of improving
[Reed-water] floodwater conveyance or to restore the land to the natural contours existing
prior to excavation.
{(3~] "Base flood" means the flood having a one percent chance of being [egaalled}
equaled or exceeded in any given year, It is also called the "one-hundred-year
flood"[)].
"Base flood elevation BFE "means the water surface elevation of the base flood.
{{7~J "Basement" means any azea of the building having its floor subgrade (below
ground level) on all sides.
[E&)] "Breakaway walls" are any type of walls, whether solid or lattice, and whether
constructed of concrete, masonry, wood, metal, plastic or any other suitable building
material which is not part of the structural support of the building and which is designed
to break away under abnormally high tides or wave action without causing any damage to
the structural integrity of the building on which they are used or any buildings to which
5
they might be carried by [fleed-water] floodwaters. A breakaway wall shall have a safe
design loading resistance of not less than ten and no more than twenty pounds per square
foot. Use of breakaway walls must be certified by a [registered] licensed structural
engineer or architect and shall meet the following conditions: (A) breakaway wall
collapse shall result from a water load less than that which would occur during the base
flood; and (B) the elevated portion of the building shall not incur any structural damage
due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously in the event of the base
flood.
"Buffer zones" aze aeeas bordering and within 50 feet of special flood hazazd
areas with base flood elevations death numbers specified in feet on the FIRM or other
areas that have been studied and identified with base flood elevations or depth numbers.
"Coastal high hazard area" -See "Zone V" and "Zone VE."
[ «
(-d-d-j] "Development" means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real
estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling,
stockpiling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or
materials.
[(-1-~] "Drainage facility" -See "Watercourse."
"Dwelling unit" means one or more rooms designed for or containing or used as
the complete facilities for the cooking sleeping and living area of asingle-family only
and occupied by no more than one family and containing a single kitchen.
[(I3~] "Encroachment" means the advance or infringement of uses, plant growth, fill,
excavation, buildings, permanent structures) or development into a floodplain which may
impede or alter the flow capacity of a floodplain.
[(}4j] "Existing manufactured home pazk or subdivision" means a manufactured home
park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which
the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of
utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete
pads) is completed before May 5, 1982.
"Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMAY' means the federal a eg
acv
responsible for administering and enforcing federal floodplain management regulations.
[(~j] "Fill" is the placement of fill material at a specified location to bring the ground
surface up to a desired elevation.
"Fill material" can be natural sand, dirt, soil or rock. For the purposes of
floodplain management, fill material may include concrete, cement, soil cement, brick, or
similar material as approved on a case-by-case basis.
"Flood, flooding, or [fleed-water] floodwater" means;
[EAj](~ [a]A general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from;
6
[Er)]~ [the] The overflow of inland or tidal waters,
[(it)]~ [the] The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff or
surface waters from any source [
,.°,l L.. P,.,.A: A°F.«°.l : „«H /AIA:\ ..F ..,:rh:«
,.r~]> and
[(~j]~ [the]The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or
other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by
waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or
suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of
water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of
nature, such as flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge, or by some
similazly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding as
defined in paragraph [(~(-i}}(1)(A) of this definition.
[(}8j] "Flood elevation determination" means a determination by the Federal [h3stse
~~dx3iais#ete~] Emergency Management Agency of the water surface elevations of the
base flood, that is, the flood level that has a one percent or greater chance of occurrence
in any given year.
[(~-9~] "Flood elevation study" or "flood study" means an examination, evaluation, and
determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface
elevations, or an examination, evaluation, and determination offlood-related erosion
hazards.
"Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)" means the official map on which the Federal
Emergency Management Agency °°a°«°' r«°••«°«~° ^ a«.:«:°'«°`:°-•] has delineated
both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the
community.
"Flood Insurance Study" means the official report provided by the Federal
[ ] Emergency Management Agency that includes flood profiles,
the Flood Insurance Rate Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
"Floodplain or flood-prone azea" means any land area susceptible to being
inundated by water from any source (see definition of "flooding").
[(~3~] "Floodplain administrator" is the individual appointed to administer and enforce
the floodplain management regulations. This person shall be the director of public works
of the County of Hawaii or the director's duly authorized representative who shall be a
currently licensed professional engineer in the State of Hawaii.
[(-~4)] "Floodplain management" means the operation of an overall program of
corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited
to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works and floodplain management
regulations.
7
"Floodplain management regulations" means zoning ordinances, subdivision
regulations, building codes, health regulations, and special purpose ordinances such as a
floodplain ordinance or an erosion and sedimentation control ordinance) and other
ayplications of police power. The term describes such federal, state or local regulations,
in anv combination thereof, which provide standazds for the purpose of flood damage
prevention and reduction.
"Flood protection system" means those physical structural works for which funds
have been authorized, appropriated, and expended and which have been constructed
specifically to modify flooding in order to reduce the extent of the azea within a
community subject to a "special flood hazazd" and the extent of the depths of associated
flooding. Such a system typically includes hurricane tidal barriers, dams, reservoirs,
levees, or dikes. These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed to
conform with sound engineering standards.
"Floodproofing" means any combination of structural and [ttexstruetttralJ non-
structural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood
damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures[,]
and their contents.
[(~8j] "Floodway" or "regulatory floodway" means the channel of a river or other
watercourse and the adjacent land azeas that must be reserved in order to discharge the
base flood [...:.w .........i.,.:..e~..:.,,..e,...:.,,..~,e ...,,.o_ ~,,.F ,.o ono.,.,.:,,.. ~e
feet] without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation [--~~-°~l.
[(~}j] "Floodway fringe" is the areas of a floodplain on either side of the designated
floodway where encroachment may be permitted.
[(38j] "Fraud and victimization" related to article 5, variances, of this chapter means that
the vaziance granted must not cause fraud on or victimization of the public. In examining
this requirement, the director of public works will consider the fact that every newly
constructed [bteig] structure adds to government responsibilities and remains a part of
the community for fifty to one hundred yeazs. [l~ildittgs] Structures that aze permitted to
be constructed below the base flood elevation are subject during all those years to
increased risk of damage from floods, while future owners of the property and anv
structure(s) and the community as a whole are subject to all the costs, inconvenience,
danger, and suffering that those increased flood damages bring. In addition, future
owners may purchase the [t~reperty] structure(s), unaware that it is subject to potential
flood damage, and the structure(s) can be insured only at very high flood insurance rates.
[(-31-x] "Freeboard" means a factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level
for purposes of floodplain management. "Freeboard" tends to compensate for the many
unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated
for a selected size flood and floodway conditions, such as wave action, bridge openings,
and the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.
[(-3~] "Functionally dependent use" means a use which cannot perform its intended
purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes
only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessazy for the loading and unloading of
8
cargo or passengers, and shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, but does
not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.
[(33j] "General floodplain" -See "[sane] Zone A."
[(34j] "Hazdship" as related to article 5, variances, of this chapter means the hardship
that would result from a failure to grant the requested vaziance. The director of public
works requires that the variance be exceptional, unusual, and peculiar to the property
involved. Mere economic or financial hazdship alone is not exceptional. Inconvenience,
aesthetic considerations, physical handicaps, personal preferences, or the disapproval of
one's neighbors likewise cannot, as a rule, qualify as exceptional hardships. All of these
problems can be resolved through other means, without granting a vaziance. This is so
even if the alternative means are more expensive or complicated than building with a
variance, or if they require the property owner to put the pazcel to a different use than
originally intended, or to build elsewhere.
[(33~] "Highest adjacent grade" means the highest natural elevation of the ground
surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
"Historic structure" means any structure that is:
[(A3] ~ [listed] Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places
(a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily
determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the
requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
~ [c~Eified] Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the
Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered
historic district or a district preliminazily determined by the Secretary
to qualify as a registered historic district;
~ [~l}°] Individually listed on a State of Hawaii inventory of
historic places[;] where the historic preservation program has been
approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
[(13~] ~ [iii~lF}=] Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places
in communities with historic preservation programs that have been
certified either:
[by] ~ an approved State program as determined by the
Secretary of the Interior, or
[(-i-i~] B~ [diree~h}] Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states
[with] without approved programs.
[(3 "Levee" means aman-made structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed
and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or
divert the flow of water [se-as] to provide protection from temporazy flooding.
[(38)] "Levee system" means a flood protection system which consists of a levee, or
levees, and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are
constructed and operated in accord with sound engineering practices.
9
[(-39)] "Lowest floor" means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including
basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of
vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area is not
considered a building's lowest floor provided that such enclosure is not built [se-asj to
render the structure in violation of the applicable [°~~x~] non-elevation design
requirements of this chapter.
[(49)] "Manufactured home" means a structure, transportable in one or more sections,
which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent
foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home"
includes a "mobile home" but does not include a "recreational vehicle."
[(41-)] "Manufactured home park or subdivision" means a parcel (or contiguous parcels)
of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
[ f4~}] "Market value." For the purposes of determining substantial improvement, market
value pertains only to the structure in question. It does not pertain to the land,
landscaping, or detached accessory structures on the property. For determining
substantial improvement, the value of the land must always be subtracted. Acceptable
estimates of market value can be obtained from the following sources:
[(x4}] Independent appraisals by a professional appraiser[.] licensed by the
State.
f!T]\ Tl..4n:1°A en4: w, n4no «F R,° n4r..n4.,vn~a ^:4,.n1 _nc{, c,ola... ~.......7 n 1nl~l°
L _
1. F tel. 4 I 1. .l 41.° Fn F41. «:4..\
~ao~rx~sacc-xvr-rxxicraGt~"m-~a'c-oEcvccrvircxxcPr°crci°ciro~ox ca°c c......,.',.'.....~
~ Property appraisals used for tax assessment purposes[.-] by the County
department of finance, real property tax office.
~ The value of buildings taken from National Flood Insurance Program
claims data[~~°°a n nn~°..~:«n 4,.n"'. This value shall be used as a
screening tool to identify those structures where the substantial
improvement ratio is less than fortypercent or greater than sixty
ern cent.
i~\ n 1•F. a 4:«...4....l.nn°a a F 1' a «,o„ti,y.
[C 7 Qxx~+°cn-°a.Scrrrnasov-rnsoco-vir~vciiacrFx'oxc~Sioix'm7'uag°v.......,.
FF A .1' A 1. n«7,°4 .,n l..n nn4: «.nr°n nl.....lA ..«l..
e~
l.° ..nnA n 4n..ln 4.. :A°..a:A N.nnn n4«..nk..«°n ..,1.°.n R,n
1. «4:«I °«f «n4:...... .nl.. 1°nn 41.n« v°n4nr R.n«
F.A., ..,...«,.«4 1°nn 4/.n« F ,.4.. « °«4 0°40. 41, ~ .,4:, «e.,.e«rl
e °
L'n n4r..nr..rn.. 41...4 f n 1.°4...°n« 41,° Fn.rt., « «4 n«.] n r.4., « «r
° ..«1...4 ..n1..° °n4: w, n4nn n1.....lA l.n «n°A,]
n 1
[(-0~] "Mean sea level" means, for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program,
the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 or other datum, to which base flood
elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
[f44-)] "Minimum necessary" related to article 5, variances, of this chapter means the
minimum necessary to afford relief to the applicant of a variance with a minimum
deviation from the requirements of this chapter. In the case of variances to an elevation
10
requirement, this means the director of public works need not grant permission for the
applicant to build at grade, for example, or even to whatever elevation the applicant
proposes, but only that level that the director of public works believes will both provide
relief and preserve the integrity of this chapter.
[(4 S)] "New construction[;]" for floodplain management purposes, means structures for
which the "start of construction" commenced on or after May 5, 1982[.] .and includes
any subsequent improvements to such structures.
[(4gj] "New manufactured home pazk or subdivision" means a manufactured home park
or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of
utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete
pads) is completed on or after May 5, 1982.
[(4~] "Obstruction" includes but is not limited to any dam, wall, wharf, embankment,
levee, dike, pile, abutment, protection, excavation, channelization, bridge, conduit,
culvert, building, wire, fence, rock, gravel, refuse, fill, structure, vegetation, or other
material in, along, across, or projecting into any watercourse which may alter, impede,
retazd, or change the direction and/or velocity of the flow of water, or due to its location,
its propensity to snare or collect debris carried by the flow of water or its likelihood of
being carried downstream.
"Ghana dwellin¢" means a second dwelling unit permitted to be built as a
separate or an attached unit on a buildine site but does not include a euest house
or a farm dwelling.
[(48)] "One-hundred-year flood" means a flood which has a one percent annual
probability of being [equalled-} equaled or exceeded. It is [ideate] also called the
"base flood."
[(49)] "One-hundred-yeaz floodplain" means any azea of land susceptible to being
inundated by water from any source generated by the one-hundred-year flood.
[(30)] "Primary frontal dune" means a continuous or nearly continuous mound or ridge
of sand with relatively steep seaward and landward slopes immediately landwazd and
adjacent to the beach and subject to erosion and overtopping from high tides and waves
during major coastal storms. The inland limit of the primazy frontal dune occurs at the
point where there is a distinct change from a relatively mild slope.
[(31-)] "Principal structure" means a structure used for the principal use of the property
as distinguished from an accessory use.
"Recreational vehicle" means a vehicle which is:
O~ Built on a single chassis;
[(b)] 400 square feet or less when measured at the lar¢est horizontal
proiection;
[(r~] Designed to be self-propelled or ~ennanently towable by a li hg
t duty
truck; and
11
[(d~] Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwellin bg ut as
temporazy livingyuarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal
use.
"Regulatory floodway" means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the
adjacent land azeas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood [~rvtheet
«S~l.e ..re «F ,.e ele ,.ti.. o rl.~.. ~ Ao~:....afe,:
b ~ b
without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation.
"Repetitive loss structure" means home or business that was damaged by flood
two times in the past ten years where the cost of fully repairing the flood dama e
tg o the
building on the average equaled or exceeded twenty-five percent of its market value at
the time of each flood.
[(33~] "Riverine" means relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including
tributaries), stream, brook, etc. whether intermittent or perennial.
[(~4~] "Sand dunes" means naturally occurring accumulations of sand in ridges or
mounds landward of the beach.
[(33~] "Sheet flow area" -See "area of shallow flooding."
"Single-family dwelling" means a building containing only one dwelling unit.
[(3H~] "Special flood hazard area" means an area having special flood or flood-related
erosion hazards, and shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps as Zones A, AO, AE,
A99, AH, VE or V.
"State" means the State of Hawaii.
[(3~] "Start of construction" includes substantial improvement and other proposed new
development and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start
of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other
improvement was within one hundred-eighty days from the date of the permit. The actual
start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site,
such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of
columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a
manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land
preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of
streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or
foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the
property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units
or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of
construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part
of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the
building.
[(38j] "Structure" means a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage
tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
[(39j] "Substantial damage" means damage of any origin sustained by a structure
whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before=damaged condition would equal
or exceed fifty percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
12
[(~Aj] "Substantial improvement[:]"
1. '1 T.T C 1 (1Q7 1...:1.7 ....t..,...t°.~ °F4°. T1iT.... C / OQ'] ..,L,:..7.
["c••w~~°-•~'~' means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or
other [ ]improvement of a structure, the cost of which is
determined and certified by a contractor engineer or architect licensed by the State, and
which equals or exceeds fifty percent of the market value of the structure before the "start
of construction" of the improvement which shall be the sum of all costs of all such work
performed in the previous [thee] ten years including the cost of the current work being
considered. This term includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage,"
regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include
either:
~ [airy] ~ project for improvement of a structure to correct existing
violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code
specifications which have been identified by the local code
enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure
safe living conditions; or
[~j] ~ [airy] Any alteration of a "historic structure," provided that the
alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a
"historic structure."
For the purposes of this chapter the determination of whether any improvements
constitute substantial improvements is applicable only to structures built prior to Mav 5,
1982 or buildings constructed after Mav 5 1982 which were not within a special flood
hazazd area at the time of issuine the building permit.
[(§1-j] "Vaziance" means a grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter which
permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this chapter.
"Violation" means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully
compliant with the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or
other development without the elevation certificate other certifications, or other evidence
of compliance with this chapter is presumed to be in violation until such time as that
documentation is provided.
[(b2j] "Water surface elevation" means the height, in relation to the National Geodetic
Vertical Datum of 1929, (or other datum, where specified) of floods of various
magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
[{~3~] "Watercourse" means a lake, river, creek, stream, wash, arroyo, channel, historic
ditch or other topographic feature on or over which waters flow at least periodically.
Watercourse includes specifically designated areas in which substantial damage may
occur.
[(~4~] "Zone A" is the special flood hazard area that corresponds to the one-hundred-
yeaz floodplains that are determined in the Flood Insurance Study by approximate
methods. Because detailed hydraulic analyses aze not performed for such areas, base
flood elevations or depths have not been determined within this zone.
13
"Zone AE" is the special flood hazard area that corresponds to the one-hundred-
year floodplains that aze determined in the Flood Insurance Study by detailed methods.
Whole-foot base flood elevations derived from the detailed hydraulic analyses have been
determined at selected intervals within this zone.
"Zone AH" is the special flood hazard area that corresponds to the areas of one-
hundred-year shallow flooding (usually azeas of ponding) where average depths are
between one and three feet. Whole-foot base flood elevations derived from the detailed
hydraulic analyses have been determined at selected intervals within this zone.
"Zone AO" is the special flood hazard area that corresponds to the areas of one-
hundred-yeaz shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average
depths are between one and three feet. Average whole-foot depths derived from the
detailed hydraulic analyses have been determined within this zone.
[(~8j] "Zone A99" is the special flood hazard area where enough progress has been
made on a protective system, such as dikes, dams, and levees, to consider it complete for
insurance rating purposes. Base flood elevations have not been determined for areas
designated as Zone A99.
"Zone D" designates unstudied areas where flood hazards are undetermined, but
possible.
[(~I)] "Zone V" is the special flood hazard area that corresponds to the one-hundred-
year coastal floodplains extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal
dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from
storms or seismic sources. It is an area subject to high velocity waters, including coastal
and tidal inundation or tsunamis. Base flood elevations have not been determined for
areas designated as Zone V.
[(~A)] "Zone VE" is the special flood hazard area that corresponds to the one-hundred-
year coastal floodplains extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal
dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from
storms or seismic sources. It is an azea subject to high velocity waters, including coastal
and tidal inundation or tsunamis. Whole-foot base flood elevations derived from the
detailed hydraulic analyses have been determined at selected intervals within this zone.
"Zone X shaded " a°°~°~°'~°~ a°°'' areas] is an area of:
[(f1)] ~ [rxederate] Moderate flood hazard corresponding to areas of the five-
hundred-year floodplain[,],
[areas] Areas ofone-hundred-year flooding where average depths are
less than one foot[;];
[areas] Areas ofone-hundred-yeaz flooding where the contributing
drainage area is less than one square mile[;]; and
[areas] Areas protected from the one-hundred-year flood by levees[;
ins .,,,.i a°°a "....~-a «a:«° °...,,:a° °c."° F.
14
"Zone X (unshaded)" is an area of minimal flood hazard corresponding to areas
outside of the five-hundred-veaz floodplain. Base flood elevations or depths have not
been determined for Zone X (unshaded).
[f f/~ u rl~~ 4~... ..4~... u n hl,nh n 4n n}.,~~u~ o cv-11vvu
f
SECTION 8. Chapter 27, article 3, section 27-14, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-14. Director of public works approval.
No building permit, certificate of occupancy, or grading permit shall be issued, no
building shall be occupied, and no development or subdivision shall be approved without
the approval of the director of public works with respect to compliance with the
provisions of this chapter."
SECTION 9. Chapter 27, article 3, section 27-16, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-16. Duties and responsibilities of the floodplain administrator.
The floodplain administrator, with the cooperation and assistance of other County
departments, shall administer this chapter. The duties and responsibilities of the
floodplain administrator or designated person(s) shall include, but not be limited to:
[faj] ~ Permit review.
[(-1-j] ~ All building permits, certificates of occupancy, grading permits,
and development or subdivision proposals shall be reviewed to
determine whether the requirements of this chapter have been
satisfied;
~ All other development permits referred by other governmental
deparnnents and agencies shall be reviewed for consistency with
the requirements of this chapter;
[(3~] ~ All permits and proposals shall be reviewed to determine that the
proposed building site is reasonably safe from flooding;[artd]
For proposed building sites in flood-prone areas where special
flood hazard areas have not been defined, water surface elevations
have not been provided, and there is insufficient data to identify
the floodwav or coastal high hazazd azeas but the flood plain
administrator has determined that there aze indications that such
hazards are present, all new construction, improvements to
repetitive loss structures and substantial improvements (including
the placement of manufactured homes) shall be:
(i) Designed and adequately anchored to prevent flotation,
collapse, or lateral movement;
(ii) Constructed offlood-resistant materials;
15
(iii) Constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood
damaee;
w) Constructed with electrical, heatine, ventilation, plumbing,
air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that
are designed and/or located to prevent water from entering
or accumulatin within the components during conditions
of floodine;
(v) Be reviewed to assure that all necessazv permits have been
received from those governmental agencies from which
a~roval is required by Federal or State law including
section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334; and
(vi) New and replacement utilities shall comply with the
requirements of section 27-19;
[ f4j](~ All permits shall be reviewed to determine that the proposed
development
1, 1. Fl 1 L 1... a°r° °a L..~
« A 1 FF,.,.~..~+ ?l.,.t ~ti,° „I mot:..,. °FF ..F R,°
..,,,,y _T________. _
] when combined with all other existing and
anticipated development will not increase the water surface
elevation of the base flood at any point[.-]
Require and maintain a copv of the title and si nag
tore paee of all
State and/or Federal permits that are required in association with
individual department of public works (DPW rubbing
~d
aradin¢ permit applications. Failure of the applicant to provide
copies of such State and/or Federal permits shall result in denial
and/or revocation of applicant's DPW's permit(s) This provision
i e paragraph 27-16(1)(F) upon approval of this ordinance shall
take effect on June I, 2008.
~ Information to be maintained.
The Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the
County of Hawaii;
[(~j] ~ The certification of lowest floor elevation;
[(3j] ~ The certification of floodproofing for spaces below the base flood
elevation;
[(-0~] l~ The certification of final pad elevation where a site is filled above
the base flood elevation;
[(-3j] ~ The certification that an encroachment in the floodway will not
result in any increase in flood levels during base flood discharge;
[~6j] ~ The certification of elevation and structural support for structures
in the coastal high hazard azea[.]
Require and maintain a copv of the title and signature pages of all
State and/or Federal permits associated with urg
bbing and/or
grading permit applications submitted to the department of public
16
n..~.
works pursuant to this chapter and use adequate internal controls to
safeguard and preserve the information. This provision, i.e.
pazagraph 27-16(2)(G) upon approval of this ordinance shall take
effect on June 1, 2008.
[(c)] ~ Interpretation of maps.
The director of public works shall make interpretations where needed, as to
the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (for
example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary
and actual field conditions). A person contesting the location of the boundary
shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as
provided in article 5.
Requirement to submit new technical data.
(A) Whenever there are chances made or discovered within a floodplain
that increase or decrease BFE or result in aFIRM-mappable alteration
of the boundazies of any special flood hazazd azea, as soon as practical,
but no later than six months after the date such information becomes
available the floodplain administrator shall notify the Federal
Emergency Mana¢ement Agency of the changes by submitting
technical or scientific data throu¢h the Letter of Map Revision process.
Such a submission is necessary so that upon confirmation of those
physical changes affecting flooding conditions, risk premium rates and
floodplain management requirements will be based upon current data.
(B) The director of public works, the floodplain administrator, or
designated person(s) shall conduct a review of requests for a Letter of
Map Revision (LOMR) or Conditional Letter of Map Revision
(CLOMRI or other Federal Emergency Management Agency map
revision as may be required by the applicable Federal Emergency
Management Agency request form.
[(Aj] ~ Use of other base flood data.
When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with section 27-6,
the floodplain administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood
elevation and floodway data available from a Federal or State agency, or other source, in
order to administer article 4. Any such information shall be submitted to the County of
Hawaii for adoption.
[(ej] Whenever [a] a~watercourse is to be altered or relocated:
Require that the flood-carrying capacity of the
altered or relocated portion of said watercourse is maintained; and
~ For riverine situations, [Pletif3~] noti the State of Hawaii
department of land and natural resources (division of water
resource management), [and] all adjacent property owners, and all
downhill property owners within 2000 feet or three Tax Map Kew
17
whichever is Greater, prior to such alteration or relocation of a
watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the
Federal Insurance Administration, Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The director of public works, the floodplain
administrator or desiGnated person(s) shall evaluate the
representation(sl contained within any Federal EmerGency
Manaeement Agency map revision request prepared by an
applicant or an applicant's agent.
Whenever a proposed alteration or relocation occurs that
would chance the base flood elevation or result in a FIRM-
mappable alteration of the boundaries of any special flood
hazard area the flood plain administrator shall ensure that
the applicant ~repazes and submits an application for a
Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and
provides sufficient technical and scientific data to satisfy
the CLOMR process The application and the technical and
scientific data shall be submitted to and for the approval of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Such a
submission is necessary so that upon completion of those
physical changes affectinG floodinG conditions, risk
premium rates and floodplain management requirements
will be based upon current data. Work to be performed
under an approved CLOMR shall be subiect to the
followinG:
(i) Work shall not begin on any on-site development affectinG or
impactinG the floodplain until an approved CLOMR is
received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
ii Within sixty (60) days of receivinG final approval from the
director of public works for the completion of the alteration or
relocation of a watercourse the request for a Letter of Map
Revision (LOMR} and all other information required by the
LOMR process including "as built" plans shall be submitted
to the flood plain administrator Failure to deliver the
foregoing to the floodplain administrator by the end of the
sixty (60) day period shall be a violation of this chapter and
each additional day thereafter that the foregoing is not
delivered shall be an additional violation of this chapter.
(iii) The floodplain administrator shall make an evaluation of the
representation(s) contained within any Federal EmerGency
Management A~ency map revision request prepared by an
applicant or an applicant's agent to include a review for
completeness of required information and a field visit to review
general consistency with visible site conditions.
18
(7) Distineuish and record other areas of flooding identified by the county or
residents of the county as flood azeas and advise FEMA of azeas not yreviously
identified on FIRMS.
[(-f~] ~ Take action to remedy violations of this chapter as specified in article 6."
SECTION 10. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-17, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-17. Certification standards.
~ Special flood hazard areas.
Pre-construction and post-construction certification of elevation and
floodproofing of new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures
development, and substantial improvements within areas of special flood hazards
and buffer zones shall be submitted to the director of public works and shall be
maintained as a matter of public record.
[(-a3] ~ Pre-construction certification.
Requirements for approval of the building permit shall include the
following items, as applicable, and any additional items as required by
the director of public works to promote public welfare and safety:
~ Certification of building plans.
Each set of building plans shall be certified by a structural
engineer or architect, currently [registered] licensed in the
State of Hawaii, to be in compliance with the requirements
of this chapter.
[(~j] B~ Elevation certification on building plans.
The elevation of the lowest floor shall be certified on each
set of the building plans by a civil engineer or ]and
surveyor currently [registered] licensed in the State of
Hawai `i.
[~3j] ~ Special flood hazards area certification.
The County of Hawaii "Special Flood Hazard Area
Certification" form, as amended, shall be completed and
certified by a structural engineer or architect currently
[registered] licensed in the State of Hawaii. The completed
"Special Flood Hazard Certification" shall be submitted For
approval with the building plans.
[~4j] ~ Floodproofing certification.
For all new nonresidential construction and substantial
improvement with enclosed areas below the base flood
elevation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
"Floodproofing Certificate" form, as amended, shall be
completed and certified by an engineer or architect
currently [registered] licensed in the State of Hawaii and
shall be submitted for approval with the building plans. The
director of public works may require additional information
19
regarding the floodproofing design from the permit
applicant and the applicant shall provide it. The
information required may include the design data and
calculations used in the floodproofing design, a detailed
flood elevation study, a drainage report, and other
information as determined necessary by the director of
public works to establish compliance with the provisions of
this chapter and to promote public welfare and safety.
[(b)] ~ Post-construction certification.
Requirements for approval of the certificate of occupancy shall include
the following items, as applicable, and any additional items as required
by the director of public works to promote public welfare and safety:
~ Elevation certification.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency "Elevation
Certificate," as amended, shall be completed and certified
by a land surveyor, civil engineer, or architect currently
[registered] licensed in the State of Hawaii and submitted
for approval with the application for the certificate of
occupancy. The information certified within the "Elevation
Certificate" shall be based on actual construction.
[E23] B~ Compliance with other requirements of this chapter.
(b) Other areas: Zone X (shaded).
Approval of the certificate of occupancy shall include a completed elevation
certificate provided by the department of public works The certification shall be
completed by the property owner land surveyor civil engineer, or architect
currently licensed in the State of Hawaii The certification shall be based on
actual construction."
SECTION 11. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-18, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-18. Standards for construction.
(a) Special flood hazard areas.
Standards for construction within areas of special flood hazazds aze established as
follows:
[(a)] ~ Anchoring.
New construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvements shall be
adequately anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral
movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic
and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.
~ All manufactured homes, including mobile homes, shall
meet all standards for structures.
Construction materials and methods.
20
~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvement shall be
constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to
flood damage.
~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvement shall be
constructed using methods and practices that minimize
flood damage.
~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures, and substantial improvement shall be designed
and constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation,
plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service
facilities including, but not limited to, furnaces, heat
pumps, hot water heaters, washers, dryers, elevator lift
equipment, electrical junction boxes, circuit breaker boxes,
and food freezers that are located above the base flood
elevation.
[(-0-j] ~ Within Zones V and VE, new construction, improvements
to repetitive loss structures, and substantial improvements
shall comply with the standards of section 27-23.
Recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones AH and
AE on the FIRM shall be elevated and anchored or be on
the site for less than one hundred eighty consecutive days
or be fully licensed and hiQhway ready.
Within special flood hazard areas where the grade between
the highest and lowest elevations of the natural ¢round
surface prior to construction exceeds ten percent, creation
of impermeable surfaces will be limited to no more than
fortypercent of the total land within the special flood
hazard area. This section shall not be applied when
drainage disposal improvements are provided in accordance
with a paragraph 27-26(b) or if proposed impermeable
surfaces are being constructed accordine to a Conditional
Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) approved by the Federal
Emereencv Management Agency. All new construction
shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this
section. This provision i.e. paragraph 27-18(a)(2)(F), upon
approval of this ordinance shall take effect on June 1,
2008.
[(c~] ~ [fig.] Encroachments.
Within a floodway, [Flxxrin?5] encroachments (includin fg
i11),
new construction, improvements to repetitive loss
structures, substantial improvements, and other
developments, shall be prohibited unless certified by a
professional civil engineer [registered] licensed in the State
21
of Hawaii, with supporting data, that the encroachment
will not cause any increase in base flood elevations during
the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
Require until a resulatory floodway is designated, that no
new construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures substantial improvements or other development
(includine filll shall be permitted within Zones AE on the
FIRM unless demonstrated that the cumulative effect of
the proyosed development when combined with all other
existing and anticipated development will not increase the
water surface elevation of the base flood at anv point.
[(~j] ~ Within all zones of special flood hazards, but not including
[gym] floodways, filling which would result in the
blockage or impediment of flow and/or induce or aggravate
flooding shall be prohibited unless certified by a
professional civil engineer [registered] licensed in the State
of Hawaii, with supporting data, that the encroachment
will not cause any increase in base flood elevations during
the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
[(-3j] D(~ Within floodway fringe areas, filling to elevate the lowest
floor of a nonresidential structure may only be permitted
where the structure:
[(Aj] ~ Is floodproofed so that below the base flood
elevation plus anv reauired freeboard, the
structure is watertight with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water, and
[(-1~] ii Has structural components capable of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the
effects of buoyancy.
[(-0j] ~ In Zones V and VE, filling and the use of fill material for
structural support of buildings shall be prohibited.
Elevation and Floodproofing.
~ Within Zones AE and AH:
~ For residential new construction, improvements
to repetitive loss structures, and substantial
improvements[.], [d,kke] the lowest floor shall be
elevated to [er abeve] the base flood elevation
plus a freeboard of at least one foot.
ii For nonresidential new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures and
substantial improvements[-], the lowest floor
shall be elevated or floodproofed to the base
flood elevation plus the required freeboard. If
the lowest floor is below the base flood
elevation, then the structure together with
22
attendant utility and sanitary facilities shall be
designed, [ax~l] constructed, and certified by a
[licensed] professional civil engineer or
architect licensed in the State of Hawaii such
that:
[(-ij] ~ The structure is watertight below the
base flood elevation lup s the
r~uired freeboard.
~ The walls are substantially
impermeable to the passage of water.
cc The structural components are
capable of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and the effects
of buoyancy.
iii Within Zone AH, new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures and
substantial improvement shall be required to
provide adequate drainage paths around
structures on slopes to guide [r'~~~s]
floodwaters around and away from proposed
structures.
iv Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that
are useable solely for parking of vehicles,
building access or storage in an area other than
a basement and which are subject to flooding,
shall be designed to automatically equalize
hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by
allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters.
Designs for meeting this requirement must
either be certified by a [ksenseel] professional
civil engineer or architect licensed in the State
of Hawaii or meet or exceed the following
criteria A minimum of two openings having a
total net area of not less than one square inch for
every sauare foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding shall be provided. Each opening must
be on different sides of the enclosed area. The
bottom of all openings shall be no higher than
one foot above grade. Openings may be
quipped with screens louvers valves or other
coverings or devices provided that they permit
the automatic entr~nd [e~cist] exit of
floodwaters.
B~ Within Zone AO:
[Eaj] ~ For [new] residential new construction,
improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
23
substantial improvements[.], [4'he] the lowest
floor shall be elevated above the highest
adjacent grade at least one foot
above the depth number specified in feet on the
FIRM, or at least [twa} three feet if no depth
number is specified.
[(~j] ii For nonresidential new construction,
i~rovements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements[•.], the lowest floor
shall be elevated or completely floodproofed
above the highest adjacent erade at least one
foot above the death number specified in feet on
the FIRM. or at least [five] three feet if no death
number is specified. If the lowest floor is [l3elew
'
Qz,-,-~ to be completely floodproofed,
then the structure together with attendant utility
and sanitazy facilities, shall be designed, [and]
constructed and certified by a [lisense~l]
professional civil engineer or azchitect licensed
in the State of Hawai `i such that:
[(4j] ~ The structure is watertight below the
referenced flood elevation.
[(~j] ~ The walls are substantially
impermeable to the passage of water.
[(-iiij] cc The structural components are
capable of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and the effects
of buoyancy.
iii New construction, improvements to repetitive
loss structures, and substantial improvement
shall be required to provide adequate drainage
paths around structures on slopes to guide
floodwaters around and away from proposed
structures.
[(33] ~ Within Zones V and VE: New construction improvements
to repetitive loss structures, and substantial improvement
shall comply with the standards of section 27-23.
[{-0~] D~ Within Zone A: New construction, improvements to
repetitive loss structures, and substantial improvement shall
comply with the standards of section 27-24.
~ Certification Requirements.
All new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvement within azeas of special flood hazazd shall be
certified as required by the standazds of section 27-17.
24
Buffer zones• Areas bordering and within 50 feet of a special flood hazard areas
with base flood elevations depth numbers specified in feet on the FIRM or other
areas that have been studied and identified with base flood elevations or depth
numbers.
For residential new construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures and substantial improvements the lowest floor shall be
elevated to the bordering base flood elevation or depth number plus a
freeboard of at least one foot.
For nonresidential new construction improvements to repetitive loss
structures and substantial improvements, the lowest floor shall be
elevated or floodproofed to the bordering base flood elevation or depth
number plus a freeboard of at least one foot. If the lowest floor is
below the bordering base flood elevation or depth number plus the
required freeboard then a currently licensed professional engineer or
architect in the State of Hawaii shall develop and/or review structural
design specifications and plans for construction and shall certify that
the design and methods of construction are in accordance with
accepted standards of practice for the structure together with attendant
utility and sanitary facilities such that:
The structure is watertight below the bordering base flood
elevation or depth number plus the required freeboard.
The walls are substantially impermeable to the passage of
water.
The structural components are capable of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of
buo ate,
l~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures and
substantial improvements shall be required to provide a drainage path
around and awa
fy
rom proposed structures.
When topographical or ground elevation data, submitted by a civil
engineer or land surveyor currently licensed in the State of Hawaii,
shows that the proposed building site is higher than the elevation
requirements of paragraph 27-18(b)(1) and 27-18(bl(21 the flood plain
regulations of this chapter shall not be applicable. This provision, i.e.
subsection 27-18(b) upon approval of this ordinance shall take effect
on June 1, 2008.
(c) Other areas: Zone X (shaded).
For new construction, the lowest floor shall be elevated at least one foot
above the highest adiacent grade of the building footprint.
(2) For concrete basements with habitable room(s), the sill plate shall be at
least one foot above the hi hg est adjacent grade of the building footprint.
25
(3) New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements shall be required to provide a drainage oath
around and away from~roposed structures.
(41 The director or designated representative may waive this requirement
when topographical or ground elevation data, submitted by a civil
engineer or land surveyor licensed in the State of Hawaii, shows that the
proposed building_site is higher than the elevation requirements of
paragraph 27-18(b)(1) and 27-18(b)(2) the flood plain regulations of this
chakter shall not be applicable This provision i.e. subsection 27-18(b),
upon approval of this ordinance shall take effect on June 1, 2008."
SECTION 12. Reserved.
SECTION 13. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-20, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition), as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-20. Standards for subdivisions[:] and other developments.
(a) Special flood hazard areas.
All new subdivisions and other developments requiring a
permit within areas of special flood hazards
^ shall:
~ Be consistent with the need to minimize flood
damage;
[(2j] ~ Have public utilities and facilities, such as sewer,
gas, electrical, and water systems, located and
constructed to minimize flood damage; and
[(3~] Have adequate drainage provided to reduce
exposure to flood damage.
[(bj] All subdivision and other development applications shall
identify the areas of special flood hazazds and base flood
elevations on the proposed site. If such information is not
provided by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the director of
public works [may} shall request and the applicant shall
provide such information.
[(sj] Finally approved subdivision plans for subdivisions within
areas of special flood hazards shall provide base flood
elevations {witl~irr} for each of the lots.
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26
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All new subdivisions and other developments within areas
designated as Zone A or ¢eneral floodplain, or a flood-prone
area where special flood hazard areas have not been defined,
water surface elevations have not been provided, and there is
insufficient data to identify the floodwav or coastal high hazard
areas but the floodplain administrator has determined that there
are indications that such hazards are present, shall comply with
the following:
(Al Be consistent with the need to minimize flood
damage;
[(~j] ~B) Have public utilities and facilities, such as sewer,
gas electrical and water systems, located and
constructed to minimize flood damaee;
[(33] (C) Have adequate drainage provided to reduce
exposure to flood damaee;
[(4j] (D) Comply with the requirements of section 27-24•
[(3~] (E) The floodplain administrator shall require and
maintain a copy of the title and sienature paces of
all necessary permits from those governmental
agencies from which approval is required by
Federal or State law including section 404 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments
of 1972 33 U.S.C. 1334. This provision, i.e.
paragraph 27-20(al(4)(E) upon approval of this
ordinance shall take effect on June 1, 2008; and
(F) For all proposed developments and/or subdivisions
greater than either two lots or one acre, the
27
developer and/or subdivider shall include base flood
elevation data for each of the lots.
[ alm-'~T~ FI .i 1 1, -:F «„1 ole „r; .,Fsho ~;r°
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(b) Other areas: Zone X (shaded).
All new subdivisions and other developments requiring a permit within
areas designated as Zone X (shaded) shall comply with the following:
~1) The floodplain administrator shall require and maintain a copv
of the title and sienature pages of all necessary permits from
those ¢overrunental agencies from which approval is required
by Federal or State law including section 404 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C.
1334 This Qrovision i e pazaQraph 27-20(b)(1) upon
approval of this ordinance shall take effect on June 1, 2008.
(2) If the floodplain administrator determines that there are
indications of flood hazard present, the floodplain
administrator shall require the applicant to determine the base
flood elevations."
SECTION 14. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-22, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-22. Standards for floodways.
The floodway identified on the Flood [Rate] Insurance Rate Maps and located
within areas of special flood hazard is the watercourse reserved to discharge the base
flood. Since the floodway is an extremely hazazdous azea due to the velocity of [tlesd
waters] floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles, and erosion potential, the
following provisions apply:
[(-aj] ~ Encroachments, including fill, new construction, improvements to repetitive
loss structures, substantial improvement, and other new development shall be
prohibited unless certification and supporting data is provided by a
[registered] licensed professional engineer or architect demonstrating that the
encroachment will not cause any increase in base flood elevations during the
occurrence of the base flood discharge.
[Ebj] ~ If an encroachment within a floodway is allowed under the conditions of
paragraph 27-22 1 ,all new construction, improvements to
r~etitive loss structures, substantial improvement and other proposed new
development shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction
provisions established in this chapter.
28
[(e~] ~ The following uses, not involving fill, shall be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis to establish that the use does not cause any increase in base flood
elevations:
[(-1~] ~ Public and private outdoor nonstructural recreational facilities,
lawn, garden, and play areas;
[(~j] ~ Agricultural uses, including farm, grazing, pasture, and outdoor
plant nurseries; and
[(~j] ~ Drainage improvements, such as channels and stream crossings."
SECTION 15. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-23, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-23. Standards for coastal high hazard areas.
Coastal high hazard azeas, more commonly known as tsunami inundation areas,
are identified as Zone V or Zone VE on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Within coastal
high hazard areas, the following standards shall apply:
~ All new construction improvements to repetitive loss structures, and
substantial improvements in a coastal high hazard area shall be constructed
with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage and using
methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
[(k~] ~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures, and substantial
improvement shall be elevated on adequately anchored pilings or columns and
securely anchored to such pilings or columns so that the lowest horizontal
portion of the structural members of the lowest floor, excluding the pilings
and columns, is elevated to jer-abevel at least the base flood [level] elevation
with a freeboard of at least one foot. The pile or column foundation and
structure attached thereto shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and
lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting
simultaneously on all building components. The wind and water loading
values shall each have a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
any given year.
~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures and other
development shall be located on the landward side of the reach of mean high
tide.
j_42 New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures and substantial
improvement shall have the enclosed space, if any, below the lowest floor free
of obstructions and constructed with breakaway walls as defined in section
27-12. Such enclosed space shall not be used for human habitation and will be
useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. Machinery
and equipment which service the building, such as furnaces, air conditioners,
heat pumps, hot water heaters, washers, dryers, elevator lift equipment,
electrical junction and circuit boxes, and food freezers are not permitted in
such enclosed spaces. The enclosed space must only be achieved with
breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening intended to
collapse under wind and water loads without causing collapse, displacement,
29
or other structural damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting
foundation system. A breakaway wall shall have a design safe loading
resistance of not less than ten and no more than twenty pounds per square
foot. Use of breakaway walls which exceed a design safe loading resistance of
twenty pounds per square foot may be permitted only if a [registered] licensed
professional structural engineer certifies that the design proposed meets the
following conditions:
~ Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water load less than
that which would occur during the base flood; and
~ The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation
system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement, or other
structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting
simultaneously on all building components (structural and
nonstructural). Maximum wind and water loading values to be
used in this determination shall each have a one percent chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year (one-hundred-year
mean recurrence interval).
[(ej] ~ Fill shall not be used for structural support of buildings.
~ Man-made alteration of sand dunes which would increase potential flood
damage is prohibited.
[(-gj] ~ All new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures,
development, and substantial improvement within coastal high hazard areas
shall be certified as required by section 27-17.
Recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones V and VE on the FIRM
shall be elevated and anchored or be on the site for less than one hundred
eighty consecutive days or be fully licensed and hiehway ready."
SECTION 16. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-24, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-24. Standards for general floodplain Zone A .
The general floodplain, identified as Zone A on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps,
are areas of special flood hazazds for which detailed engineering studies are not
performed by the Federal [ ~ ] Emergency Manaeement A encv to
determine the base flood elevations and to identify the floodways.
~ To determine base flood elevations and the locations of floodways within the
general floodplain, the director of public works may obtain, review, and
reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a
Federal, State, or other source, including information requested of a permit
applicant.
[(~j] ~ Development or subdivision proposals shall conform with the
requirements of section 27-20.
[~sj] ~ The following information shall be provided by a permit applicant to the
director of public works to evaluate the proposed construction or improvement
site within a general floodplain azea:
[(1-)] ~ Project location and site plan showing dimensions.
30
[(~j] ~ Relationship to floodway and floodway fringes as determined by
flood elevation study.
~ Contour map showing the topography of existing ground based on
elevation reference marks on flood maps. The scale and contours
are to be appropriate to the work in question.
[(4j] ~ Existing and proposed base flood elevations.
[(3~] ~ Existing and proposed floodproofing and flood control measures.
[Edj] ~ New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures, and substantial
improvements within the general floodplain shall satisfy the requirements set
forth for Zones AE, AH, AO, or VE as is determined to be applicable by the
director of public works based on base flood information and floodway data
obtained through [ " paragraphs 27-24(1) and ["~,-24'x]
27-24(2).
[Eej] ~ The director of public works may waive informational requirements if the
director of public works has sufficient information to make an evaluation and
determination regarding flood elevation or may request further information,
including a detailed flood elevation study and a drainage report, to evaluate
flood risks and determine the applicability of flood construction and
development standards.
~ All new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures
development, and substantial improvement within the general floodplain shall
be certified as required by section 27-17.
All manufactured homes shall be elevated and anchored to resist flotation
collanse or lateral movement."
SECTION 17. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-25, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-25. Standards for development adjacent to drainage facilities.
New construction improvements to repetitive loss structures and substantial
improvements proposed adjacent to drainage facilities outside of the special flood hazard
areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps shall be subject to review and approval
of the director of public works.
[(-aj] ~ Upon request by the director of public works, the applicant shall provide
further information concerning base flood elevation, floodways, surface water
runoff, existing and proposed drainage patterns, and other information,
including a detailed flood elevation study, drainage report, and findings and
opinions by a [registered] licensed professional civil engineer licensed in the
State of Hawaii, shall be provided to evaluate potential flooding.
~ The director of public works shall determine the applicability of the various
development and construction standards provided in this chapter based upon
information available from a Federal, State, or other source, including
information provided by the permit applicant.
[(~ej] ~ A drainage facility shall not be modified, constructed, lined, or altered in any
way without the approval of the director of public works."
31
SECTION 18. Chapter 27, article 4, section 27-26, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-26. Storm drainage standards.
f a~ The department of public works, County of Hawai`i's "Storm Drainage
Standard," October 1970 edition, or latest revision, is incorporated into and made
a part of this chapter. These standards have been prepared to guide County
engineers and personnel, engineers for subdivision and other developers,
consultants employed by the department of public works, and other interested
parties in the general features required for the design of storm drainage facilities,
preparation of flood hazazd studies, and other related work in the County of
Hawaii.
bL1 This standard shall be subiect to the following exception:
All new subdivisions and developments reguirin¢ a site draina¢e plan pursuant to
the zoning code section 25-2-72(31 except single-family dwellings, duplexes,
and ohana dwellings shall be required to dispose of the difference between the
pre development dischazge amount and the post-development dischazge amount
based on the expected one-hour 25-year storm event. The standard created by this
subsection shall prevail until such time that the department of public works
"Storm Drainage Standazds "dated October 1970 or any approved revision, is
amended to conform to either the expected one-hour 25-year storm event or to a
higher standard if required by the floodplain administrator or this chanter. This
provision i e subsection 27-26(bl ugon approval of this ordinance, shall take
effect on June 1.2008."
SECTION 19. Chapter 27, article 5, section 27-27, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-27. Criteria for variances.
A variance from this chapter may be issued by the director of public works only
upon the applicant meeting the vaziance criteria of this section. The variance criteria set
forth in this section are based on the general principle of zoning law that variances
pertain to a piece of property and are not personal in nature. A properly issued variance is
granted for a parcel of property with physical characteristics so unusual that complying
with the requirements of this chapter would create an exceptional hardship to the
applicant or the surrounding property owners. The characteristics must be unique to the
property and not be shared by adjacent parcels. The unique characteristic must pertain to
the land itself, not to the structure, its inhabitants, or the property owners.
It is the duty of the County of Hawaii to help protect its citizens from flooding.
This need is so compelling and the implications of the cost of insuring a structure built
below flood level are so serious that variances from the flood elevation or from other
requirements of this chapter are quite rare. The variance guidelines are detailed and
32
contain multiple provisions that must be met before a variance can be properly granted.
The following criteria are designed to screen out those situations in which alternatives
other than a variance are more appropriate:
[(-aj] ~ Generally, vaziances may be issued for new construction, improvements to
repetitive loss structures, substantial improvement, and other proposed new
development to be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous
to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base
flood level, providing that the procedures of articles 3 and 4 of this chapter
have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the
technical justification required for issuing the vaziance increases.
[(~j] ~ Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase
in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
[~j] ~ Variances shall only be issued upon:
~ A showing of good and sufficient cause. Under this criteria, the
applicant must demonstrate that the variance request is for land
which has physical characteristics so unusual that complying to
flood requirements will create exceptional hazdship to the applicant
or surrounding landowners. The unique chazacteristic must pertain
to the land itself and not the structure, its inhabitants, or the
property owner.
Under this criteria, only exceptional instances should arise
where the physical characteristics of properties create a hazdship
sufficient to justify granting a variance. Even in a fairly common
situation where an undeveloped lot is surrounded by properties
with structures built at grade and/or below flood levels, a variance
cannot be justified since an applicant can erect the concerned
structure on pilings, etc.;
~ A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in
exceptional "hardship" (as defined in section 27-12) to the
applicant. Under this criteria, the hardship that would result from
failure to grant a requested vaziance must be exceptional, unusual,
and peculiar to the property involved. Economic or financial
hardship alone is not exceptional. Inconvenience, aesthetic
considerations, physical [haxdieaps] challenges, personal
preferences, or the disapproval of one's neighbors cannot,
generally, qualify as exceptional hardship. Under this criteria, for
example, a member of a household is [ ]
phvsically challenged and wants a vaziance to build the dwelling
unit at grade or at a lower level for access purposes. A variance
should not be issued because the owner can construct a ramp or
elevator to meet flood requirements. Elevation will allow the
infirm or [h"~] phvsically challenged person to be
evacuated in the early stage of flooding, and, if there is insufficient
warning or help in evacuating that person, then, in all likelihood,
he can survive the flood by simply remaining in the home safely
above the levels of [Reed-~vater~] floodwaters;
33
[(3jJ ~ A determination that the variance is the "minimum necessary" (as
defined in section 27-12), considering the flood hazazd, to afford
relief. Under this criteria, the variance that is granted should be for
the minimum deviation from the flood requirements that will still
alleviate the hardship. In the case of variance to an elevation
requirement, this does not mean approval to build at grade level or
to whatever elevation an applicant proposes, but rather to a level
that the director of public works determines will provide relief and
preserve the integrity of the flood ordinance; and
[(4)] ~D A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in
increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety,
extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause "fraud or
victimization" (as defined in section 27-12) of the public, or
conflict with existing local laws or ordinances. Under this criteria,
an applicant must demonstrate that flood levels will not be raised
above the base flood elevations.
~ Variances may be issued for new construction, improvements to repetitive
loss structures, substantial improvement, and other proposed new
development necessary for the conduct of a "functionally dependent use" (as
defined in section 27-12) provided that the provisions of paragraphs
~(a)] 27-27 1 through 27-27 3 are satisfied and that the structure
or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood damages
during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
[(e)] ~ Vaziances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures
upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not
preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the
variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and
design of the structure.
~ Variances may be issued for improvement of a structure to correct existing
violations of State or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which
have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the
minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
[(gj] ~ Variances may be approved with conditions. Such conditions may include:
[(-1)] ~ Modification of the construction or substantial improvement,
including the sewer and water facilities.
~ Limitations on periods of use and operation.
[(3~] ~ Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
[E4)] ~ Requirements for construction of channels, dikes, ditches, swales,
levees, and other flood-protective measures.
[fS}] ~ Floodproofing measures designed consistent with the regulatory
flood elevation, flood velocities, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
forces, and other factors associated with the base flood.
~ Other conditions as may be required by the director of public
works to promote public welfaze and safety."
34
SECTION 20. Chapter 27, article 5, section 27-28, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-28. Application for variance.
An application for a variance shall be submitted to the director of public works,
signed and stamped by a [~egisteFed] licensed professional engineer or architect, and shall
include three sets of documents with the following information as maybe applicable:
[(a)] ~ Plans and specifications showing the site and location; dimensions of all
property lines and topographic elevation of the lot; existing and proposed
structures and improvements, fill, storage area; locations and elevations of
existing and proposed streets and utilities; floodproofing measures;
relationship of the site to the location of the flood boundary; floodway; and
the existing and proposed flood control measures and improvements.
[(kj] ~ Cross-sections and profile of the area and the regulatory flood elevations and
profile based on elevation reference marks on flood maps.
[(s)] ~ Flood study and drainage report in areas where a study and report have not
been reviewed and accepted by the County of Hawaii.
Description of surrounding properties and existing structures and uses and the
effect of the regulatory flood on them caused by the variance.
[(e)] ~ Evaluation and supporting information for the variance with respect to the
factors to be considered by the director of public works as listed in paragraphs
27-27 1 through 27-27 6 .
[(€j] An agreement that a covenant will be inserted in the deed and other
conveyance documents of the property and recorded with the bureau of
conveyances of the State of Hawaii, stating that the property is located in a
flood hazazd area subject to flooding and flood damage; that a flood hazard
vaziance to construct a structure below the base flood elevation will result in
increased flood insurance rates and increases flood risks to life and property;
that the property owners will not file any lawsuit or action against the County
of Hawaii for costs or damages or any claim; that the property owners will
indemnify and hold harmless the County of Hawaii from liability when such
loss, damage, injury, or death results due to any flood hazazd variance and
flooding of the property; and that upon approval of the variance, the covenants
shall be fully executed and proof of recording with the bureau of conveyances
shall be submitted to the director of public works prior to the issuance of a
building permit.
[(g)] Such other information as may be relevant and requested by the director of
public works."
SECTION 21. Chapter 27, article 5, section 27-30, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-30. Recording and reporting of variances.
(a) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice over the
signature of the director of public works that:
35
(1) The issuance of a variance to construct a structure at elevations below the
base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood
insurance[;] up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage;
(2) Such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and
property; and
(3) A copy of the notice shall be recorded with the State of Hawaii bureau of
conveyances and shall be recorded in a manner so that it appears in the
chain of title of the affected parcel of land.
(b) A record of all variance actions, including justifications for issuance of any
vaziance[;] and written notices, shall be maintained by the director of public
works. A report of the variances issued shall be included in the biennial report
submitted to the [ a ' r ]Federal Emergency
Management Agency."
SECTION 22. Chapter 27, article 6, section 27-34, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-34. Administrative order.
(a) In lieu of or in addition to section [~7-3z?] 27-33, if the director of public works
determines that any person, firm, or corporation is not complying with the
requirements of this chapter or a notice of violation for a violation of this chapter,
the director of public works may have the party responsible for the violation
served, by certified mail or delivery, with an order pursuant to this section.
(b) The order may require the party responsible for the violation to do any or all of
the following:
(1) Correct the violation within the time specified in the order;
(2) Pay a civil fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 in the
manner, at the place, and before the date specified in the order;
(3) Pay a civil fine of not less than $500 per day and not more than $1,000 per
day for each day that the violation persists, in the manner and at the time
and place specified in the order[.];
Pav a civil fine of $1 000 per day for violating the provisions of section
27-16(6)(C).
(c) The order shall become final thirty days from the date of service unless the party
served requests a heazing under chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes. If a heazing
is requested, no fine shall be imposed except upon completion of the hearing. In
determining the amount of the fine, the director of public works shall consider the
seriousness of the violations, any history of such violations, any good-faith efforts
to comply with the applicable requirements, the economic impact of the fine on
the violator, and such other considerations that have a bearing on the amount of
the fine.
(d) The director of public works may institute a civil action in any court of competent
jurisdiction for the enforcement of any order issued pursuant to this section.
Where the civil action has been instituted to enforce the civil fine imposed by said
order, the director of public works need only show that the notice of violation and
36
order were served, that a civil fine was imposed, the amount of the civil fine
imposed, and that the fine has not been paid."
SECTION 23. Chapter 27, article 6, section 27-37, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005
Edition, as amended), is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 27-37. Removal of encroachment and/or obstruction notices.
In addition to any other section, if any encroachment and/or obstruction exists,
under, over or through any portion of a drainageway, floodway, levee system or
watercourse within the County and the encroachment and/or obstruction is observed, or a
complaint made to the department of public works of the County of Hawaii, then the
department of public works shall investigate and forthwith, give notice to the owner to
remove the encroachment and/or obstruction in the manner provided in this ,,~r~
article."
SECTION 24. Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New material is
underscored. In printing this ordinance, the brackets, bracketed and stricken material and
underscoring need not be included.
SECTION 25. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications
of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to
this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.
SECTION 26. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval, provided that the
provisions of this ordinance that amend paragraph 27-16(1)(F), paragraph 27-16(2)(G),
paragraph 27-18(a)(3)(F), paragraph 27-18 (b)(4),paragraph 27-18(c)(4), paragraph 27-
20(a)(4)(E), paragraph 27-20(b)(1), and subsection 27-26(b) shall take effect on June 1, 2008.
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII
Hawaii
Date of Introduction:
Date of 1st Reading:
Date of 2"d Reading:
Effective Date:
37