Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 01. Introduction

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Chapter 1:Introduction The Value of Mitigation Emergency management includes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. This plan will focus on mitigation-- i.e., strategies to reduce risks. For example, retrofitting bridges can keep them from washing out; installing hurricane clips can reduce personal and property losses thereby reducing the need for public assistance. The money spent today on preventive measures can significantly reduce the impact of disasters in the future. Reducing overall economic losses and social disruption will enable the community to recover to pre- disaster conditions as quickly and efficiently as possible, not to mention the costs saved. The goal is to become a "disaster-resilient" county where our lifeline systems of roads, utilities, infrastructure, and other support facilities are designed to continue operating in the midst of high winds, rising water, or shaking ground. Critical facilities such as hospitals, schools, and fire stations would be located in safe areas, rather than areas prone to high hazards. Resilient structures would be built or retrofitted to meet the safest building code standards available. Natural areas that provide buffers to flooding or other hazards would be conserved. Coordinated Approach Effective planning and response to hazard events involves local, State, and federal agencies. This plan has been coordinated and is consistent with the State of Hawaii Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and guidelines of the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)3. 1.2 Organization of the Plan The plan is organized into the following subject areas: • Mitigation Planning(Chapter 2). • Land Use, and Development(Chapter 3). • Hazards Analysis (Chapters 4-15). All natural hazards that pose a potential threat to the County of Hawaii were analyzed to determine the degree of threat posed by each. The analysis provides a description of the hazard, significant historical events, probability of occurrence,risk assessment techniques, and mitigation strategies. ➢High Wind Storms (Chapter 4) ➢Hurricanes(Chapter 5) ➢Landslides and Rock Falls (Chapter 6) ➢Earthquakes(Chapter 7) ➢Lava and VOG(Chapter 8) ➢Tsunamis (Chapter 9) ➢Floods (Chapter 10) 3 The federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000(P.L. 106-390)encouraged states and local governments to de- velop integrated natural hazard mitigation plans. States and local governments with plans in place would be eligible for faster funding and more effective risk reduction projects. Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Guidance,FEMA July 1,2008 1-6 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan