HomeMy WebLinkAboutMulti-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 19. Mitigation Strategy CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
COUNTY OF HAWAII
920 ULULANI STREET HILO,HAWAII 96720
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19. Mitigation Strategy
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
CHAPTER 19 - MITIGATION STRATEGY
19.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives
To become a"disaster-resilient"community,the mitigation goals and objectives are as follows:
1. Goal: Continually strive to improve the state of the art for the identification of hazard
areas,prediction capabilities, and warning systems.
Objectives:
1.1. Prepare GIS maps for all hazards with the best available information and formulate a
strategy to maintain/upgrade the data.
1.2. Improve applicability of modeling systems to Hawaii Island conditions for hazard
mapping,mitigation planning, and scenario training purposes.
1.3. Improve flood prediction and field-monitoring systems.
1.4. Establish a warning system that is cognizant of warning siren gaps that require
supplemental field warning, which strives to fill those gaps based on population, that is
routinely tested and maintained, and that educates the public on proper response.
1.5. Establish a rigorous reporting system after each major event to document the extent and
cause of damage, lessons learned, and actions required to improve hazard mitigation,
preparedness,response, or recovery.
2. Goal: Control future development and retrofit existing structures within hazard areas
to minimize losses.
2.1. Update the building code to cost-effectively resist earthquake, hurricane, and flood
susceptibility.
2.2. Periodically review the effectiveness of current land-use-related plans, codes, and
standards to control future development within hazard areas.
2.3. Develop incentives, such as tax deductions and insurance discounts, to encourage
retrofitting of existing structures to resist earthquake,hurricane, and flood susceptibility.
3. Goal: Ensure that all emergency response critical facilities and communication systems
remain operational during hazard events.
3.1. Harden all essential emergency facilities and communication systems to withstand
earthquake and hurricane forces (Ensure road access to hospitals remains clear and that
all hospitals have helicopter access,no emergency facilities should be located in the 100-
year flood-prone areas).
4. Goal: Ensure that all lifeline infrastructures are able to withstand hazard events or
have contingency plans to quickly recover after a disaster.
4.1. Harden ports and airports to enable post-disaster operations.
4.2. Harden major highway segments that have no alternate bypass to withstand earthquake
and 100-year floods as well as rockfalls/landslide closure.
4.3. Harden fuel storage facilities and ensure distribution network to critical facilities.
4.4. Reduce vulnerability of electrical system to all hazards.
4.5. Develop water systems that resist damage to all hazards and contingency plans to truck
water.
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5. Goal: Provide adequate pre- and post-disaster emergency shelters to accommodate
residents and visitors.
5.1. Identify and harden selected shelters to withstand hurricane.
5.2. Establish a standardized due diligence procedure for qualifying a building for private
self-sheltering.
6. Goal: Develop a level of awareness among the general public and businesses,
particularly the visitor industry, that results in calm and efficient evacuations, self-
sufficient survival skills, and willingness to abide by preventive or property protection
requirements.
6.1. Develop a broad-based public information program that utilizes a diversity of
communication media.
6.2. Develop special public information programs targeted to vulnerable populations.
6.3. Develop a community-based network that double-functions as the Community
Emergency Response Team and provides input into mitigation planning.
7. Goal: Minimize post-disaster recovery disruption by developing systems for efficient
clean-up, documentation of damage and injury, and processing of appropriate aid to
rebuild businesses and the economy.
7.1. Educate businesses on business interruption planning.
S. Goal: Protect natural and cultural resources to the extent practicable that buffer
hazards or have significant value.
19.2 Mitigation Actions by Hazard Type
This section summarizes applicable mitigation actions by the hazard type. Mitigation actions can
be grouped into six broad categories:'07
• Prevention. Government administrative and regulatory actions or processes that influence the
way land and buildings are developed and built (e.g., planning and zoning, building codes,
drainage standards).
• Property Protection. Actions that involve the modification of existing structures to protect
them from a hazard, or removal from the hazard area (e.g., acquisition, elevation, relocation,
structural retrofits, storm shutters, shatter-resistant glass).
• Public Education and Awareness. Actions to inform and educate citizens, elected officials,
and property owners about the hazards and potential ways to mitigate them (e.g., outreach
projects, real estate disclosure, hazard information fairs, school-age and adult education
programs).
• Natural Resource Protection. Actions that minimize hazard losses while also preserving or
restoring the functions of natural systems (e.g., erosion control, stream restoration, watershed
management,wetland restoration and preservation).
107 FEMA,Developing the Mitigation Plan:Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies,
State and Local Mitigation Planning How-To Guide 43,April 2003.
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• Emergency Services. Actions that protect people and property during and immediately after
a disaster or hazard event (e.g., warning systems, emergency response services, protection of
critical facilities).
• Structural Projects. Actions that involve the construction of structures to reduce the impact
of a hazard(e.g., dams,levees, flood walls, seawalls, diversion ditches).
19.2.1 Hurricanes and Wind Storms
Mitigation actions include improving emergency services and protecting property through
enhanced structural integrity:
• Warning Systems. Warning has improved with the use of weather satellites, weather buoys,
and tracking aircraft, but it is not possible to predict, more than a very few hours ahead,just
where in the islands the main force of a hurricane will impact. Hurricane Iniki exemplified the
sudden unpredictable track of a hurricane. However, the intensity of a storm approaching the
islands is known before it makes landfall and thus the effects may be anticipated. Although the
position of a storm refers to its center (the "eye"), hazardous wind, rain, and surf can extend
200 miles from the center. Therefore advance warning and preparation for a hurricane must
consider the potential periphery effects. All cyclonic storms in this part of the ocean are
carefully monitored by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, which is established at the
National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu at the start of the "hurricane season" on
June 1. "Warning" is actually provided in several stages: advisories of tropical depressions
(incipient storms); warning of tropical storms (winds less that 74 mph); hurricane watch
(hurricane within 36 hours) and hurricane warning (hurricane conditions - winds over 73 mph
expected within 24 hours). [Note:74 mph—64 knots, sometimes used in reports].
• Hurricane Shelters. Sheltering and preparation in Hawaii is primarily the responsibility of
residents themselves, since major evacuation as is done in the Gulf and Atlantic coasts is
obviously impractical. Adequate public shelters capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds
are limited; they can hold 80% of the population who will seek shelter,by State Civil Defense
standards. These standards expect only 35% of the population to seek public shelters. Most of
the shelters shown are schools and some are marginal for this purpose but are the best refuge
available. Homeowner's preparations are vital and have been publicized in print by the UH
Social Science Research Institute (SSRI)10x and are repeated by Civil Defense via the media
during a hurricane watch. However, evacuation of coastal areas threatened by storm surge is
done in an ad hoc fashion by using the tsunami evacuation maps. These maps have some
validity for this purpose in areas such as Kailua-Kona, (although they may be too small) but
may encompass too large an area such as in Hilo, where some buildings in the zone are more
important as shelters. There is a paradox in hurricane evacuation- it is important not to expose
people to wind hazards while avoiding the flooding hazard.
• Structural Integrity. Structural integrity has only been tested on this island by winter storms
(winds over 40 mph; Chapter 4). In areas with frequent hurricanes, such as Guam, the most
vulnerable structures are damaged or removed by prior events. Since we have been lucky
enough to not have such experience, a high percentage of homes and also commercial
108 Social Science Research Institute,UH,"Hurricanes in Hawaii:What Are The Risks of Damage?",
undated.
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buildings will be lost when a hurricane moves through parts of the island. It has been esti-
mated that 38% of homes will be heavily damaged and an equal number will suffer minor
damage from an Iniki-strength hurricane striking any island.109 State Civil Defense has
published a guide on strengthening houses to minimize losses."0 Adopting and enforcing a
building code with adequate wind load requirements is the primary mitigation tool for
structures. The code requirements for wind pressure have increased by a factor of 2:1 since
1958 as the Uniform Building Code changed. The current level is based on a 95 mph peak
gust, is applicable to commercial structures only and was adopted by the County in 1993.
Prior to 1993, the County had no specific code requirements related to wind forces for
residences. The code implemented in 1993 (the 1991 UBC) requires roof-to-wall uplift ties.
The most important action the County can take other than code revision is to ensure that public
buildings, shelters, and other vital facilities meet the code requirements. The FEMA 1993
report is an excellent manual on structural lessons from Iniki while the ARA 2001 report
covers implementation of these factors in detail."'
The 2006 IBC significantly improves the wind design requirements of the 1991 UBC,
therefore its adoption in the county of Hawaii is of the utmost importance.
• Infrastructure lifelines. Harden exposed communication and electrical systems. Consider
underground installation for new development and in strategic existing areas.
19.2.2 Earthquakes
Hawaii County is believed to be exposed to the highest seismic hazard in the State. In
approximately the past 50 years, the County has experienced at least eight earthquakes with a
Richter Magnitude of 6.0 or greater, and the geological structure of the island is believed to be
capable of generating even larger earthquakes. Moreover,because the vast majority of structures
in the County were designed and constructed before adoption of the 1976 Uniform Building
Code (UBC), which is the earliest UBC edition whose seismic design requirements are similar to
the 1991 UBC, many of these structures most likely do not conform to the minimum seismic
design requirements adopted by other high seismic risk regions of the United States.
Mitigation actions include preventive measures and emergency services improvements:
• Identification of Vulnerable Structures and Areas. Refine the applicability of the HAZUS
model to Hawaii Island to assess earthquake risks and identify appropriate mitigation actions.
The findings of a recent study prepared for the Hawaii State Earthquake Advisory Committee
109 Schroeder,Tom, 1993,"Hawai'i Hurricanes:Their History,Causes,and Future,"Office of State Planning,
December 1993.
110 Hawai'i State Civil Defense, 1997,"Construction Guide:On Strengthening Houses Against Hurricanes and
Earthquakes,May 1997.
111 Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA), 1993,`Building Performance:Hurricane Iniki in Ha-
wai'i",January 1993,Federal Insurance Agency,Washington,D.C.;Applied Research Associates(ARA),2001,
"Hazard Mitigation Study for the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund"(incorporates part of FEMA-sponsored Iniki
Building Performance Report),December 2001.
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that focused on Maui and Hawaii County needs to be examined and follow-up actions
implemented such as incorporation of appropriate changes to the building code.112
• Hardening Critical Facilities. A 2009 study conducted a seismic evaluation of essential fire
stations and hospitals. The findings of that study need to be fully implemented. Similar
evaluations need to be made of the communication systems and fuel tanks.
• USGS and HVO has tools such as ShakcCast that can be used for post-earthquake potential
damage assessment of discrete building inventories, using HAZUS damage relationships
applied to individual buildings that have detailed construction input.
19.2.3 Tsunamis
Mitigation actions improve emergency services,protect property, and provide public education:
• Warning. Warning in time for evacuation is, of course, the key to the public safety aspect of
tsunami mitigation. There are two distinct warning scenarios for this island: for a distant
tsunami source such as Alaska where three hours notice for evacuation is possible, and for a
local tsunami where a few minutes, if any, warning can be provided. The distant tsunami
warning is provided by a well developed and capable Federal system (Pacific Tsunami
Warning Center, PTWC), based on Oahu and covering the Pacific Ocean area. A local
tsunami is an unusual event, but the source is most likely to be near the southern coastal areas
of this island. The wave may travel faster than a feasible warning but fortunately the wave
height diminishes fairly rapidly with distance. The primary warning is simply feeling the
earthquake, coupled with education on the response. The new system which senses water rise
at six locations on the Kona-Kau shoreline is now operational. It alerts the warning center
which immediately confirms the event by an earthquake signal and advises County Civil
Defense (or the police, after working hours). This system supplements the slower and less
definite earthquake-only local system that was in service since 1978.
• Evacuation. Evacuation zones have been developed and used. These zones are based on a
combination of historical data where available and numerical modeling, to produce maximum
expectable inundation limits. County Civil Defense then uses these data to provide a map with
zones related to physical features where possible and always mauka of or at the inundation
limit. These zones apply to distant tsunamis only and are published in the front of the
telephone directory. Because of the short warning time for a local tsunami, referring to
published zones for this island is not considered feasible and so the public is advised to
quickly move inland from the shore. Thirty five sirens around the island are operated by the
County to alert the public to a tsunami warning,with specific information broadcast from Civil
Defense via the emergency alert system (EAS) radio stations. Short-term sheltering is
provided as well as bus evacuation of schools in risk areas. Civil Defense, in conjunction with
other County, State, and Federal agencies has developed thorough plans for response to a
warning.11' These plans and procedures cover matters from roadblocks to school evacuation
and arc reviewed in periodic exercises with responsible agencies but which do not involve the
112 Martin&Chock,Inc.,Earthquake Loss Estimation/Mitigation Project,prepared with funding from the Hawaii
Coastal Zone Management Program,December 2003.
113 County of Hawai'i,Emergency Procedures,Civil Defense Agency,2000(draft revision in process 2003).
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public. These warning and evacuation operations were most recently publicly tested in 1994
by evacuation for a tsunami which turned out to be non-hazardous.
• Public Education. The Disaster Preparedness pages of the telephone directory (provided by
Civil Defense) are a basis for education of the public and are usually referred to in other safety
material. The State provides a recent tsunami safety video which is shown on television and to
various groups; it emphasizes checking the phone book pages to see if you are in an
evacuation zone. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo has a primary mission of public
education and awareness and safety and has exhibits on warning and response. The monthly
siren test includes an EAS message about public response, on all radio stations.
• Structural Integrity. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), which used much of the same
data as the inundation/evacuation work, are an aid to minimize risk to structures, along with
County planning and building restrictions. The FIRM is considered more reliable for tsunamis
than for stream flooding,but is known to also have some questionable areas in this regard. The
County permitting process considers both public and structural safety in its regulations. The
FEMA flood insurance program is a significant force in limiting home construction and design
in probable inundation areas. The mortgage lenders are especially careful in this regard. Thus,
in recent years, exposure has become more limited in scope. A detailed engineering
publication which deals specifically with structural design to resist tsunamis is available to
building code, permitting, and architecture users, is available.14 The report was prepared for
FEMA and coordinated with Tsunami Technical Advisory Committee and the University of
Hawaii. Much of it applies to all exposed structures, not just residential. A recent, less
technical report describes procedures to improve the tsunami resilience of communities.115 It
is primarily oriented toward the mainland coast although the California zonation example they
describe was performed here.
• Recovery of Critical Facilities. Recovery may be the most difficult to plan because of the
unpredictability of the nature and extent of the damage. For example, major damage to harbor
facilities, interrupting the fuel supply, can result in loss of part of the electrical supply and thus
of water and sewage. Other islands may (or may not) compete for recovery support,
compounding the problem for this island. The Department of Transportation has recovery
plans which are supplemented with current GIS layers in other portions of this report.
19.2.4 Rainfall Flooding and High Waves
Of the major natural hazards, flooding occurs most frequently. Mitigation measures include
preventive land use measures, warning systems and public education, flood control structural
projects,repetitive loss buyout programs, and natural resource protection programs.
• Land use measures. Preventive land use measures rely on accurate flood zone identification.
The existing Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) does not cover all flood-prone areas and
require updating for areas that are covered. Recognizing the cost to modernize the FIRM
island wide, mitigation actions will prioritize the modernization effort. When updating,
114"Design and Construction Standards for Residential Construction in Tsunami-prone Areas in Hawaii",Dames
and Moore,Honolulu and Washington,D.C.,January 1980.
115 "Designing for Tsunamis",National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee,NOAA,March 1991.
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tsunami and hurricane surge inundation limits and base flood elevations require verification
with modeling and historical data. The zoning and flood control code use the FIRM as the
basis to avoid exposure or apply special flood-proofing standards. Repetitive loss programs
need to be incorporated into the flood control and land use systems to buyout and prevent
future construction in such areas. Current drainage standards, which are based on 10-year
storms,need to be reevaluated to better account for cumulative upslope development.
• Warning and public education systems. The National Weather Service has installed tele-
metered rain gages to aid in flood prediction and wave buoys for high waves. Two Doppler
radars on this island provide rainfall intensity in quantitative graphic form. NWS's system
needs to be supplemented with an improved field reporting system and stream gauging sys-
tem related to rainfall gages to better predict flash flooding and to extend flood warnings to
areas that NWS's system cannot monitor. Warnings for specific areas are broadcast via nor-
mal and special radio/TV forecasts and by special County Civil Defense announcements, as
well as over the NOAA Weather Radio (for airplanes and boats). Public education needs to
be improved to address the problem of vehicles being driven across flooding streams-- road
hazard signs need to be quickly erected along highways, and hunters and residences in re-
mote areas should be educated. For high waves, the most effective action is the closure of
beaches and coastal roads.
• Flood control structural and nonstructural projects. Flood control channels have long been
established on this island; however, with increased urbanization some channels have been
overloaded and need or have received enlargement or rerouting. The recent upgrade of
Alenaio Stream in Hilo is a good example. As part of the cost-benefit for such projects,
nonstructural alternatives need to be examined such as better watershed management. To
reduce coastal damage to high waves, improvements to the seawall system in Hilo and
Kailua-Kona have been discussed, but there are no firm plans. There is a tradeoff between
the cost of expensive structural improvements and the cost of more frequent and extensive
cleanup.
19.2.5 Lava Flows
Mitigation actions include preventive measures such as zoning, emergency services improve-
ments such as warning systems based on improved predictive mapping, and limited structural
protection measures.
• Identification of hazard areas. The Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory(HVO),part of the U.S.
Geological Survey, has developed very capable methodology and systems for predicting
eruptions in a timely manner, and evaluating the probable lava flow hazard areas. All
historical lava flows have been well mapped, and zonation depicted showing the chances of
more lava flow for all parts of the island. In recent years, improved mapping programs have
moved away from the discrete zonation boundaries to indicate more realistic probabilities for
hazard areas and transition regions. Lava shed programs, analogous to water flooding maps,
are under development. Planning, zoning, and insurance factors now mitigate against
unwarranted development in high hazard areas.
• Warning systems. HVO, in conjunction with Civil Defense and other County agencies, is on
standby to provide warning and evacuation when an eruption occurs. Though most lava
flows have been slow enough to allow easy evacuation and even removal of some structures,
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an eruption from Mauna Loa toward Kona can (and has) required rapid response in that area
as communities may be both threatened and escape routes cut.
• Structural protection. One lava diversion dike has been constructed. On Mauna Loa, it pro-
tects the government's long term atmospheric observatory on the mountain. (This diversion
dike built upslope of the NOAA climate monitoring facility on Mauna Loa has not yet been
tested.) Ad hoc diversions using bulldozers, bombs, and water spray have been tried in the
past, with varied and generally minimal results. See Chapter 2 for a report on the public
option survey that included questions about attitudes regarding the possible use of lava
diversion techniques.
19.2.6 Droughts and Wildfire
The mitigation actions for drought are primarily structural and non-structural programs to
withstand droughts (since rain-enhancing measures have proven ineffective). Wildfire mitiga-
tion includes preventive land use measures, improved hazard identification, and critical facilities
development.
• Identification of hazard areas. For high hazard areas, appropriate conditions to zoning and
subdivision applications need to be developed, such as requiring fire-resistive materials or
maintenance of fire breaks.
• Critical facilities and training. Potential water sources to fight wildfires need to be invento-
ried. Roads that may be closed by wildfires and lava flows need to be identified and bypass
routes or other contingencies planned. in addition to recently acquiring brush trucks, the
County Fire Department sponsored 45 volunteer firefighters (from rural areas) to participate
in the Firewise Community Development Workshop and helped establish the Big Island
Wildfire Coordination Group. This group is expected to improve procedures to rapidly
provide the most effective response to wildfires in the island.
• Structural and nonstructural projects. Mitigation measures practiced or recommended by
agriculturists include ample reservoirs, longer irrigation ditches, drought-resistant crops in
certain areas, low rainfall cultivation/tillage practices, changing planting to better areas dur-
ing droughts, and moving cattle. More usage of catchment reservoirs can help growers get
through dry periods without crop loss. The National Resource Conservation Service provides
technical assistance with establishing ponds and reservoirs, and may also provide grants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with support from other agencies, maintains a
drought mitigation center which assists states in developing drought mitigation plans. The
County will defer to the plan being developed by the State Water Commission. Crop
insurance is available for Mac nuts and some other primary local crops through the
Cooperative Extension Service, a program of the USDA and the University of Hawaii. This
organization also provides information on drought-resistant plants and tillage.
19.2.7 Landslides and Sea Cliff Erosion
Mitigation actions include structural protection measures and preventive land use controls.
• Structural projects. The major problem with landslides is road closure. Heavy rainfall or
earthquakes could cause the landslide. Structural slope stabilization along highways is ex-
pensive,but is often the best long-term solution.
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• Preventive land use measures. Existing shoreline setback regulations require a minimum of
40' setback from the certified shoreline. Whether this 40' provides adequate buffer relative
to the rate of sea cliff erosion such as in the Hamakua area requires further study. Based on
the findings, the shoreline setback requirement should be adjusted accordingly for these
areas.
19.3 Priority Criteria
Mitigation actions were selected for implementation based on community acceptance criteria
referred to as the STAPLEE criteria (Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal, Eco-
nomic, and Environmental) and then prioritized.'16 The STAPLEE evaluation criteria analyze
the appropriateness of alternative mitigation actions by considering the following questions:
• Social
• Will the proposed action adversely affect one segment of the population?
• Is the proposed action culturally insensitive?
• Technical
• Is the proposed action technically feasible?
• Is the proposed action a long-term solution or a short-term"band-aid"'?
• Are there secondary effects resulting from the proposed action?
• Administrative
• Does the proposed action require additional staffing?
• Does the proposed action require additional training?
• Does the proposed action require ongoing maintenance?
• Political
• Is the proposed action controversial?
• Does the proposed action require legislative approval?
• Does the proposed action affect multiple stakeholders and have they all had an opportunity to be
involved'?
• Legal
• Does the County have jurisdiction to implement the proposed action?
• Are new laws required to implement the proposed action?
• Are liability risks involved with the proposed action?
• Economic
• What are the costs involved to implement the project?
• Is the proposed action eligible for outside funding?
• Is the burden of the choice of funding borne by those who benefit?
• Is a more detailed cost-benefit analysis warranted?
• Environmental
116 Priority-setting methodology from FEMA,How-To Guide 43:Developing The Mitigation Plan;Identifying
Mitigation Actions And Implementing Strategies,FEMA No.386-3,April 2003.
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• Does the proposed action protect or restore the environment?
• Does the proposed action have potentially negative effects on the environment'?
• Is an EA or EIS required?
The selected actions that passed the STAPLEE criteria were then prioritized using the following
criteria:
• Critical to public health or safety. Actions that significantly improve emergency services.
• Hazard severity. Actions that mitigate priority hazards based on loss estimation analyses.
• Ease of'implementation. Actions that have negligible cost and/or require minimal effort.
• Multi-objective. Actions that meet multiple objectives(e.g., flood control project that provides
recreational benefits) or address multiple hazards.
• Time. Actions that can be quickly accomplished. Once the easy actions are done then the
more difficult actions can be focused upon.
• Post-disaster mitigation. Actions that may be more appropriate for post-disaster imple-
mentation when there is the political will and access to post-disaster assistance funding.
19.4 Implementation Plan
Table identifies the actions to achieve the mitigation objectives. The actions are sorted into the
following categories:
• Administrative actions not requiring major funding;
• Ongoing funded studies that need to be incorporated into future updates of this plan;
• Actions requiring funding.
Evaluation,Ranking, and Approval of Mitigation Projects
The County of Hawaii Civil Defense Agency will establish a special committee to evaluate,
screen, and prioritize eligible hazard mitigation projects submitted by county government
agencies and private nonprofit agencies. The county committee will use a scoring system that
emphasizes projects that addresses repetitive losses, high risk to public safety, cost-effective,
State and local priorities, and environmentally and technically sound. Committee members will
be selected from the following organizations (note: The Administrator of the County Civil
Defense Agency will act as chair of the committee):
• Fire Department
• Police Department
• Office of the Mayor
• Data Systems Management
• Department of Environmental Management
• Department of Planning
• Department of Public Works
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• Department of Research and Development
• Department of Water Supply
• University of Hawaii at Hilo
According to State mitigation priorities, all of the four counties will receive equal priority for the
following natural hazards because all jurisdictions are vulnerable: hurricane and high winds,
floods, drought, wild land fire, landslides, coastal erosion, and tsunamis. The County of Hawaii
will receive top priority for projects involving lava flow and VOG. Priorities (in order) for
earthquake projects are: (1) County of Hawaii; (2) County of Maui; (3) City and County of
Honolulu; and(4) County of Kauai.
The County and State will use FEMA's cost benefit models to include HAZUS-MH. Also, EPA
standards and State Historical Preservation Guidelines will supplement the cost-effectiveness
review of each project. State Civil Defense has trained appropriate county personnel in the cost
benefit models. Also, the State Mitigation Forum will be developing a program to better assess
potential losses especially with wind events. This will involve windspeed maps for all counties
and a customized hurricane simulation model with geocoded building inventory, user-defined
damage functions, and other variables into a GIS-based hurricane loss estimation software
package. All mitigation projects must also meet all appropriate Federal, State, and county laws
and regulations.
The Committee scored and ranked each project.
The State Civil Defense Mitigation staff will provide technical assistance to the applicants in the
preparation of the applications, cost-benefit analysis to include training, and acquisition of
environmental data. In the past, staff members have personally visited potential applicants and
explained the application process and requirements. This effective practice will be continued.
Priorities for Hazard Miti ag tion
The following are the County priorities regarding hazard mitigation projects:
1. Hardening and Retrofitting of Critical Facilities
Conduct all hazard evaluations and develop cost-effective retrofits for priority facilities
including:
• hurricane shelters and schools,
hospitals, fire stations, and police stations, airports
Hilo and Kawaihae harbors and fuel storage facilities
• key County bridges and plan alternative transportation routes,
power plants, water systems, communications sites, sewage treatment plants, and other
facilities/buildings providing critical services
2. Upgrading of County Building Codes in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statues Chapter
107, State Building Code and Design Standards
3. Mapping/Assessments/Studies
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Analysis of high hazard areas and studies to develop mitigation measures:
• perform screening evaluations of alternative facilities to augment public shelters to
address shelter shortfall
• investigate and document effectiveness of VOG mitigation techniques and incorporate
in public awareness meetings
• Update the HAZUS MH model to incorporate current bridge status and adapt HAZUS
MH with enhanced building information data for hurricane loss estimation and
identification of vulnerable structures
Develop mapping of all major natural hazards:
• flood map modernization with incorporation of both hurricane flood and tsunami
inundation into DFIRM's
• updated tsunami evacuation maps
• earthquake ground failure hazard maps
• probabilistic lava inundation maps
• probabilistic tsunami inundation maps
• dam inundation evacuation maps
• landslide and slope stability hazard maps
• LIDAR-based remapping of streams
4. Wildfire Prevention (firebreak establishment and fire mitigation resource inventory)
5. Drought Mitigation by improvements to irrigation aqueduct, reservoirs, and water
management
6. Policy for Repetitive Flood Loss Properties
7. Develop natural hazard mitigation criteria policies for county facility site selection and design
S. Public Awareness/Education, with additional focus on implementation of Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Techniques and VOG
• Incentives for Homeowners and Business to retrofit vulnerable structures: To further
support this type of outreach,the following actions are still needed:
• an expedited permit process if the homeowner uses the standard recommended
plans;
• working with insurance companies to get homeowners insurance credits for
implementing these retrofits;
• need to expand the Expert System to add the hurricane mitigation techniques that
were previously developed for the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund's Loss
Mitigation Grant Program.
• Retrofit training,videos, displays, and demonstration/pilot retrofit projects
• Multi-hazard public information website consolidating GIS mapping products for hazards
&zoning
9. Mitigation of Erosion/Land/Rock Slides in residential areas and highways. (Highways have
greater priority)
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Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
19.5 Discussion on Past Implementation Actions
The 2005 hazard mitigation plan had a high proportion of implementation actions that were
actually emergency response rather than hazard mitigation.
Hazard Mitigation excludes emergency response actions after disaster has occurred:
• Hazard Mitigation is action taken before a disaster to reduce or eliminate long-term risk
to people and their property from hazards and their effects.
• Emergency Operational Plans (EOP) exist with the objective to heighten preparedness
and establish plans and responsibilities for responding to and recovering from the
occurrence of a natural disaster. Thus, emergency response system improvements belong
in the EOP accounting of resource and needs,rather than in a hazard mitigation plan.
Thus, with the priorities for hazard mitigation updated, it was recognized that many of the 2005
plan actions were not actually hazard mitigation at all; it was decided that the 2010 Hazard
Mitigation Plan should be exactly that, and rather than be forced to continue past
misunderstandings because of"precedent,' should utilize more clarity of purpose and formulate
implementation actions based on their current merits. This aligns better with the fact that the
entire hazard mitigation plan has been re-written as discussed in Chapter 1 Appendix A. "To
accommodate greater detail in hazard and risk assessment, as well as to more clearly identify
hazard mitigation activities and their specific impacts, the Hawaii County Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan has been substantially reorganized... In short, this plan is a near-total re-write
with the objective of greater clarity in addition to a major update of technical knowledge."
The following table (former 2005 Plan Table 4-1) tracks the status of the past implementation
actions,now superseded.
I.D.No. Project Description Hazards Lead Agency Status
1.0 Administrative actions not requiring major funding:
1.1 Review the General Plan natural hazard policies All hazards Planning Being continued in current plan
in light of this mitigation plan and American
Planning Association suggested policies
1.2 Review the feasibility to adopt the 2003 Inter- Hurricane,Earthquake Department of In current plan to update with 2006
national Building Code Public Works IBC
1.3 Update tsunami evacuation maps Tsunami Data Systems w/ Being completed in current plan
Civil Defense
1.4 Develop relocation policies for repetitive loss All hazards Civil Defense w/ Repetitive loss structure mitigation
structures Public Works may be addressed other than by
condemnation/relocation,which is
cost-prohibitive,see current plan
1.5 Work with hotels,cruise ship industry,nursing Hurricane,Earthquake, Civil Defense This is an emergency operations
homes,schools,hospitals,and shopping centers Tsunami action
to develop emergency response plans
1.6 Study feasibility of participating in the Community Flooding Public Works Being completed in current plan
Rating System
1.7 Study feasibility of including nonstructural earth- Earthquake Public Works Being incorporated in building code
quake damage prevention into building code update per current plan
19-13 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
I.D.No. Project Description Hazards Lead Agency Status
1.8 Identify hardening projects to implement 1993 Earthquake,Hurricane Civil Defense,with Project modernized in current plan
seismic evaluation study of fire stations and Public Works,Fire, to reference 2009 seismic evaluation
hospitals and Hospitals of current facilities
1.9 Explore with utilities feasibility of underground Hurricane,Earthquake, Civil Defense,with Continued into current plan
power lines Tsunami Planning&utilities
1.10 Conduct hazard loss estimation study,incorpo- All hazards Civil Defense Performed in current plan's Hawaii
rate cost-benefit methodology as a factor in priori- County all-hazard assessment of
tizing projects critical facilities
1.11 Develop routine training program for disaster All hazards Civil Defense This is not a hazard mitigation action
response and recovery
1.12 Evaluate warning sirens coverage All hazards Civil Defense Completed by HCDA
1.13 Develop a formal post-event reporting system All hazards Civil Defense This is not a hazard mitigation action
and information clearinghouse
1.14 Evaluate disaster-level search&rescue capa- All hazards Civil Defense,w/ This is not a hazard mitigation action
bilities Fire,Police,DPW
1.15 Evaluate vulnerability of County water systems Hurricane,Earthquake Dept of Water Made a more generalized action to
and water trucking capacity Supply,w/Civil improve water resources
Defense
1.16 Evaluate waterless wastewater disposal options Hurricane,Earthquake Dept of Environ- This is no longer a DEM project
mental Mgt
1.17 Implement Disaster Debris Action Manual Hurricane,Earthquake, Dept of Environ- This is a post-disaster emergency
Tsunami,Flood mental Mgt operation action rather than hazard
mitigation
1.18 Develop post-disaster transit plan Hurricane,Earthquake, Mass Transit This is a post-disaster emergency
Tsunami,Flood Agency,w/Civil operation action rather than hazard
Defense mitigation
1.19 Update debris estimation Hurricane,Earthquake, Dept of Environ- This is a post-disaster emergency
Tsunami,Flood mental Mgt operation action rather than hazard
mitigation
1.20 Coordinate TDSR sites Hurricane,Earthquake, Dept of Environ- This is a post-disaster emergency
Tsunami,Flood mental Mgt operation action rather than hazard
mitigation
1.21 Maintain list of debris management contractors Hurricane,Earthquake, Dept of Environ- This is a post-disaster emergency
and update boilerplate contracts Tsunami,Flood mental Mgt operation action rather than hazard
mitigation
2.0 Ongoing funded studies that need to be incorporated into future updates of this plan
2.1 Emergency shelter evaluation Hurricane Army COE Continued in current plan
2.2 GIS mapping of hotels,church shelters,hazard- Hurricane,Earthquake, Data Systems Made a more generalized GIS Multi-
ous waste sites Tsunami,Flooding Hazard Information One-Stop
website
2.3 Develop probalistic lava flow maps and modeling Lava flow Hawaii Volcanoes Continued in current plan
Observatory
2.4 Organize public awareness and preparedness All hazards Civil Defense w/ Continued in current plan,however,
program,including CERTs,through Project Research& Project Kumiai no longer exists
Kumiai,also include public education on pet care Development,
Planning
2.5 Update Emergency Operations Plan All hazards Civil Defense This is obviously an emergency
operation action rather than hazard
mitigation
2.6 Implement State Drought Plan Drought Civil Defense,with Continued in current plan
Fire and DWS
2.7 Identify wildfire hazard areas Wildfire State Drought Identified in the current plan
Council,with Civil
Defense&Fire
19-14 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
I.D.No. Project Description Hazards Lead Agency Status
2.8 Adapt HAZUS-M or other hazard modeling to Hurricane,Earthquake, State Civil Defense Continued in the current plan,
Hawaii Island Flood actions made more hazard-specific
3.0 Actions requiring funding
3.1 Harden public schools for emergency shelters Hurricane,Flooding, Dept of Acctg and Continued in the current plan
Tsunami Gen Services
(DAGS)
3.2 Modernize FIRM maps in accordance with priority Flood,Hurricane, Dept of Public Continuing towards completion in
mutually established between County and DLNR Tsunami Works the current plan
3.3 Identify high windspeed areas and vulnerable Hurricane,Earthquake Civil Defense w/ Continue in the current plan
structures Public Works
3.4 Identify earthquake-induced ground failure areas Earthquake Civil Defense w/ Continued in the current plan
Public Works
3.5 Explore incentives for existing homeowners and Hurricane,Earthquake, Department of Continued in the current plan
businesses to retrofit their structures,and Flooding Public Works
participate in building fairs to publicize
3.6 Study hardening requirements for Hilo and Tsunami,Hurricane, Dept of Trans- Continued in the current plan
Kawaihae Harbors Earthquake portation
3.7 Study hardening and evacuation requirements for Hurricane,Earthquake Dept of Trans- Incorporated in Hawaii County all-
Hilo and Kona Airports portation hazard assessment of critical
facilities in this plan
3.8 Study hardening,floodproofing,and bypass All hazards Dept of Public Continued in the current plan
alternatives for major highways Works
3.9 Study hardening requirements for fuel storage Hurricane,Earthquake, Civil Defense,with Continued in the current plan
and distribution to critical facilities Tsunami fuel providers
3.10 Develop rainfall and streamflow gaging system Flooding USGS Continued in the current plan
suitable to flood monitoring
3.11 Develop technology and training system for effi- All hazards Civil Defense This is an emergency operations
cient field monitoring of in-progress event action
3.12 Identify landslide and coastal erosion hazard Landslides Civil Defense w/ Continued in the current plan
areas and mitigation actions Dept of Trans-
portation,Public
Works
3.13 Upgrade and coordinate emergency com- All hazards Civil Defense, w/ This is an emergency operations
munication system Fire,Police, action
military,ham
operators,wired
and wireless
operators
3.14 Study hardening requirements for electrical Hurricane HELCO Continued in the current plan
system
3.15 Upgrade EOC's GIS and communication systems All hazards Civil Defense This is an emergency operations
action
3.16 Develop scenario training and mitigation planning All hazards Civil Defense Continued in the current plan
capabilities
3.17 Prepare multi-objective open space plan All hazards Planning Discontinued except as a focused
wildfire mitigation action
19-15 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
19.6 Present Implementation Actions
Note:Italics indicate projects similar to a 2005 plan action.
Project Description Hazards Lead Agency Required Funding Priority
Budget Source
Administrative actions not requiring major funding:
Update the building code from the 1991 UBC to the Hurricane, Department of minimal County High
2006 IBC with its structural and nonstructural earthquake Earthquake Public Works
damage prevention into the building code
Update tsunami evacuation maps:Tsunami Tsunami Data Systems w/ minimal State High
Inundation and Runup Mapping: Analysis of the island of Civil Defense
Hawaii based on scenarios from tsunami-genic source
regions along the Pacific Rim. Big Island mapping focuses
on 13 populated areas around the island.
Identify hardening projects to implement 2009 seismic Earthquake, Civil Defense,with minimal County High
evaluation study of critical facilities Hurricane Public Works,Fire,
and Hospitals
Modernize FIRM maps.Investigate the differences Flood,Hurri- Dept of Public FEMA,State, High
between the existing and new DFIRM maps and adapt cane,Tsunami Works County
maps so that tsunami inundation is included along the
south and west coasts
Identify earthquake-induced ground failure areas Earthquake Civil Defense w/ $100,000 FEMA,State, High
Public Works County
Study hardening requirements for fuel storage and Hurricane, Civil Defense,with $50,000 Homeland High
distribution to critical facilities Earthquake, fuel providers Security,
Tsunami FEMA,County
Develop policies and procedures for establishing site $50,000
specific hazard mitigation design criteria for critical facilities
Review the General Plan natural hazard policies in All hazards Planning minimal County Medium
light of this mitigation plan and American Planning
Association suggested policies
Develop policies for repetitive loss structures and All hazards Civil Defense w/ minimal County Medium
high hazard watersheds Public Works
Participate in the Community Rating System Flooding Public Works minimal County Medium
Conduct hazard loss estimation studies;incorpo- All hazards Civil Defense minimal County Medium
rate cost-benefit methodology as a factor in priori-
tizing projects
Evaluate warning sirens coverage All hazards Civil Defense minimal County Medium
Develop scenario training and mitigation planning capa- All hazards Civil Defense to be determined FEMA,County Medium
bilities
Develop a GIS-based Multi-Hazard Information"One-Stop' All hazards Civil Defense/PDC TBD County Medium
website
Ongoing funded studies that need to be incorporated into future updates of this plan:
Develop probabilistic lava flow maps and modeling Lava flow Hawaii Volcanoes budgeted else- USGS High
Observatory where
Organize public awareness and preparedness VOG and all Civil Defense w/ budgeted else- FEMA,County High
program,including mitigation techniques and hazards Research& where
retrofit training Development,
Planning
Develop Dam Evacuation Maps Flood FEMA/PDC Medium
Adopt tsunami design provisions for buildings(to be Tsunami Medium
released in Sept 2010)for new and for evaluating existing
buildings.)
19-16 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
Project Description Hazards Lead Agency Required Funding Priority
Budget Source
Implement State Drought Plan;improve water Drought Civil Defense,with budgeted else- DLNR Medium
resources Fire and DWS where
Identify wildfire hazard areas,maintain fire breaks Wildfire State Drought budgeted else- FEMA,State Medium
Council,with Civil where
Defense&Fire
Actions requiring funding:
Perform a comprehensive screening evaluation of private Hurricane $125,000 High
sector candidate building types for possible hurricane
refuge use
Emergency shelter evaluation:All-Hazard Assessment Hurricane $125,000 High
of Hurricane Shelters&Identify Effective Retrofits
Harden public schools for emergency shelters Hurricane, Dept of Accounting Included in FEMA,State, High
Flooding,Tsu- and Gen Services State's mitigation County
nami (DAGS),DOE plan
Study hardening,flood proofing,and bypass All hazards Dept of Public $125,000 FEMA,State, High
alternatives for county bridges Works County
Update the HAZUS MH model to incorporate data on State Earthquake $125,000 High
and County Bridges
Study hardening requirements for Hilo and Tsunami,Hurri- State Dept of Trans- included in State Homeland High
Kawaihae Harbors cane,Earth- portation plan Security,
quake FEMA,State
Study hardening requirements for fuel storage Tsunami,Hurri- Civil Defense $75,000 Homeland High
cane,Earth- Security,
quake FEMA,State
Identify earthquake-induced ground failure areas Earthquake High
Investigate effectiveness of VOG mitigation techniques VOG Medium
Identify high windspeed Hurricane, Civil Defense w/ $150,000 FEMA,State, Medium
vulnerable structures;adapt HAZUS MH for hurricane Earthquake Public Works County
analysis
Testing of the seismic and wind performance of single wall Hurricane, Civil Defense w/ Medium
construction Earthquake Public Works
Explore incentives for existing homeowners and Hurricane, Department of $125,000 County Medium
businesses to retrofit their structures Earthquake, Public Works w/
Flooding Civil Defense
Develop rainfall and stream flow gauging system Flooding USGS,NOAA,PSC USGS,State, Medium
suitable to flood monitoring County
Identify landslide and coastal erosion hazard areas Landslides Civil Defense w/ DOT study done, FEMA,State, Medium
and mitigation actions Dept of Trans- $50,000 for County
portation,Public coastal cliffs
Works
New UH study is to generate potential slope stability Landslides Medium
hazard maps which could be used to identify zones that
may warrant further detailed evaluation
Study hardening requirements for electrical system Hurricane HELCO to be determined HELCO Medium
Explore with utilities feasibility of underground Hurricane, Civil Defense,with to be determined County shared Medium
power lines Earthquake, Planning&utilities w/utilities
Tsunami
19-17 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING PRIORITIZATION RESULTS INDICATED)OCTOBER 12,2009 PAGE 1
Type Project Cost/Status H, M,
or L?
Policy atural hazard policies for the General Plan&Community Development Plan Coordination/ Medium
y Integration
Study hardening requirements for Hilo and Kona Airports SDOT Planning Project Low
d
Study hardening requirements for Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors SDOT Planning Project High
i =d Study hardening, f/oodproofing, and bypass alternatives for major highway SDOT Planning Project Medium
R M Study hardening requirements for fuel storage and distribution to critical Planning Project High
LL
facilities
Study hardening requirements for electricals stems HECO Planning Project Medium
Hawaii County All-Hazard Assessment of Critical Facilities Retrofits of fire, Kau Hospital Retrofit is High
M police, medical, airports. the first
_ 2 Update the building code from the 1991 UBC to the 2006 IBC Required per HRS 107 High
3 Incentives for homeowners and businesses to retrofit their structures Outreach Project Medium
mLL
Testing of the Seismic and Wind Performance of Single Wall Construction $250K Medium
Water Conservation and Watershed Management Education Low
Build demonstration earthquake and hurricane retrofits to example homes Medium
z Create Hazard Retrofit Training Course at Hawaii Community College Medium
M c Create Hazard Retrofit Training Shop Course for High Schools Low
c Add Mitigation Displays at Libraries (hardcopy and digital) Medium
.r Home retrofit construction performed by Boy Scouts Low
= Produce Do-it-yourself retrofit training videos Medium
m E Conduct Public Meetings on VOG/S02 and how to mitigate it's effects High
a E Conduct Public Meetings for Persons with S ecial Needs Medium
QU Visitor Industry Disaster Preparation &Training Medium
U) M Disaster Mitigation Planning Service for Communities Performed by High School Low
V Students
Multi-Hazard Information GIS Ma in Public Website PDC Medium
Install seismometers in Middle Schools for educational awareness purposes Low
Identify high windspeed areas and vulnerable structures; Planning Project Medium
Adapt HAZUS-MH for use with hurricane hazard to Hawaii Count $150K
Perform a comprehensive screening evaluation of private sector candidate $125K High
L
building types for possible hurricane refuge use
:3 Emergency shelter evaluation:All-Hazard Assessment of Hurricane Shelters $125K High
_ & Identify Effective Retrofits
Hardening of Waiakea High School G m $322K-HMGP High
Identif earth uake-induced round failure areas Planning Project High
w
LU Update the HAZUS MH model to incorporate data on State and County $125K High
Brid es
Update tsunami evacuation maps for 13 priority areas UH Ongoing High
R UHM SOEST to produce 100-year and 500-year tsunami hazard maps Planning Project Medium
y Adopt tsunami design provisions for buildings (to be released in Sept 2010) Adopt in Building Code Medium
~ for new and for evaluating existing buildings.)
Investigate the differences between the existing and new DFIRM maps, and Upcoming FEMA High
adapt maps so that tsunami inundation hazard is included along the south project(2010)
and west coasts
°o Develop rainfall and streamflow gauging system suitable to flood monitoring PSC Tool Medium
Develop Dam Evacuation Maps FEMA/PDC Project Medium
Develop policies for repetitive loss structures Policy/HazMitPlan Medium
Note:Italics indicates project called for in the 2005 County of Hawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-18 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING PRIORITIZATION RESULTS INDICATED)OCTOBER 12,2009 PAGE 2
Type Project Cost/Status H, M,
or L?
Area Development Plan for Existing and Future Development&CRS Ongoing @ DPW Medium
(ongoing)
LIDAR-based remappLn_q of stream beds list by NRCS RC&D See Area Development Medium
°- Use non-uniform return periods for floodplains Plan Low
V Control development with region-specific ordinances in high hazard or Medium
W E unknown hazard watersheds
Z c Evaluate applicability of FEMA flood proofing mitigation for Hawaii homes Low
W Evaluate feasibility of absor tion approach to floodplain management Low
Evaluate use of retention structures for high slope areas Medium
Wildland Fire Mitigation Resource Mapping and Inventory Program HWMO updating High
Establish and maintain firebreaks around roads and communities in North $2.2M/15-yr: Puako High
and South Kohala districts; Mitigate wildfire threat along strategic corridors in only for$500K
the Puako Forest annually/2-yr
Change county zoning code to establish setbacks for a larger interface between urban Policy needs detail Low
and natural areas for wildfire mitigation
Requiring all applicants for subdivision approvals to complete a wildfire hazard Low
miti ation Ian
Install dry hydrants and develop static water sources $10,000/site Medium
Establish Remote Automated Weather Stations $85K/5-yr. Low
Prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads in fire prone areas(not for native forest areas, $1.1 M/yr. for 15-yrs Low
also not eligible for FEMA grant funding)
Iv Roadside fuel management program along an identified corridor of Highway Needs Budget&Scope Medium
190, South Kohala/North Kona definition
Renovations/improvements to old plantation irrigation system tunnels and $3 M Medium
ditches: Kau Sugar System Reactivation not eligible for FEMA rant
= Improvements to old plantation irrigation system tunnels and ditches and new $26M Medium
y Kauahi reservoir:Waimea not eligible for FEMA rant
MImprovements to the Kohala Ditch Irrigation Aqueduct(install lining and ? High
o piping)
o Renovate and Reactivate old abandoned plantation wells in Pahala $2.5M Medium
Renovate and Reactivate old Hamakua Slaughterhouse well for non-potable $100K Medium
agricultural use in Honokaa/Hamakua(not eligible for FEMA grant)
Construct new wells,surface water diversions,storage and transmission lines in Needs Planning/ Low
priority areas investigation
Promote better irrigation practices and water mans ement. $100K High
Agricultural Water System for Kona, Honomalino: Provide water for $25M Medium
agriculture and fire fighting assistance. not eligible for FEMA rant In planning
Poohoohoo Reservoir Relining and pipeline $250K High
Develop wells, storage, and construct transmission systems for Puna Needs Planning/ Low
Scope definition
Makalei Water System Improvements $5M/4-yrs Low
Various Water System Improvements within the County of Hawaii $50M/15-yrs Low
N Identify landslide and coastal erosion hazard areas and mitigation actions Planning Project Medium
R
New UH study is to generate potential slope stability hazard maps which Project starting Medium
J could be used to identify zones that may warrant further detailed evaluation
Investigate Effectiveness of VOG Mitigation Techniques High
Develop Natural Hazard Mitigation Criteria Policies for County Facility Siting Medium
z and Design
y
O
Investigate Vulnerability of County Bridges and Plan Alternative Routes High
19-19 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Project Description Status
Review the General Plan and Community Development Plan natural hazard Develop Natural Hazard
d o policies in light of this mitigation plan update Mitigation Criteria Policies
— a w. for County Facility Siting
a and Design
wN Conduct hazard loss estimation study;incorporate cost-benefit methodology as Proposed Planning Project: HAZUS MH model for disaster
= N c a factor in prioritizing projects;Adapt HAZUS-MH or other hazard modeling to Building inventory planning to be ready for
m Hawaii Island: improvements now need adoption in 2009;it should
a
o s c New building inventory data for Hawaii County makes HAZUS MH capable of conversion for use for replace the model currently
CL a producing earthquake damage maps and reports at a much higher spatial hurricane loss estimation used by Pacific Disaster
@ a resolution,based on the best available building and soil data,and it will perform Center in post-disaster lass
FL @ analysis using ShakeMap output from USGS. estimation.
N Hawaii County All-Hazard Assessment of Critical Facilities Kau Hospital Hurricane and The detailed evaluation has
d This project conducted onsite all-hazard rapid visual screening and building Seismic Retrofits identified priority buildings and
construction as-built data collection for the EOC,10 fire stations,10 police providing the information
ii stations,13 ambulance facilities,6 hospital/medical clinics,and the two major necessary to submit a PDM
airports(KOA and ITO). HAZUS MH was been used to evaluate the expected grant application for Kau
3
losses for each facility. Hospital.
w Study hardening and evacuation requirements for Hilo and Kona Airports See above
Study hardening requirements for Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors SDOT Harbors Division
.o=' jurisdiction
d Study hardening,floodproofing,and bypass alternatives for major highways Needs further scope definition Proposed Planning Project
c
Study hardening requirements for fuel storage and distribution to critical Needs further scope definition Proposed Planning Project
N facilities
d
H Study hardening requirements for electrical systems;Explore with utilities Needs further scope definition Proposed Planning Project
a feasibility of underground power lines
Change county zoning code to establish setbacks for a larger interface between Proposed Policy
= urban and natural areas for wildfire mitigation
c
N N Update the building code from the 1991 UBC to the 2006 IBC Required by HRS 107 Part II County Deadline for
as Also Include nonstructural earthquake damage prevention in the building code adoption will be in 2011
C U
2 Go to Page 1
3
m Go to Page 2
Nnte.'Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. Cnunty nfHawaii Multi-Hazard_Mitigation Plan
19-20 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strate,�
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Project Description Status
Explore incentives for existing homeowners and businesses to retrofit their FEMA-funded HMGP project To further support this type of
structures: completed;in publication from outreach,the following actions
Investigation of Post and Pier Earthquake Damage and Development of UHM along with development are still needed:
Incremental Retrofits for Hawaii Single-Family Residences of Expert System user 1. an expedited permit process
This study has conducted building surveys of representative cases of post and interface by UHH,providing if the homeowner uses the
pier homes,performed analysis of prototypical structures based on the as-built pre-engineered retrofits that standard recommended plans;
data,and developed simple seismic retrofit schemes. have been rendered in 2. working with insurance
guidelines and drawings that companies to get homeowners
— a contractor can use without
,�, extensive engineering design. insurance credits for
implementing these retrofits;
c
3. need to expand the Expert
o System to add the hurricane
is mitigation techniques that were
rn
previously developed for the
2 Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund's
U) Loss Mitigation Grant Program.
Testing of the Seismic and Wind Performance of Single Wall Construction The project above only Proposed 1-year Project
Establish the actual performance of single wall construction when subjected to deals with the post&pier
major(M>7)earthquakes and hurricanes foundation;this project
Develop more reliable design features for retrofit procedures would evaluate retrofit
Incorporate improved modeling of this building type in HAZUS MH improvements to the single
wall and roof system for
earthquakes and
hurricanes
Water Conservation and Watershed Management Education: Mitigate the Proposed Project
effects of drought by increasing the public's awareness of water conservation
and watershed management.
Build demonstration earthquake and hurricane retrofits to example homes Proposed Project
s Create Hazard Retrofit Training Course at Hawaii Community College Proposed Project
m Create Hazard Retrofit Training Shop Course for High Schools Proposed Project
0
O Add Mitigation Displays(hardcopy and digital)at Libraries Proposed Project
Home retrofit construction performed by Boy Scouts Proposed Project
s
IL Produce Do-it-yourself retrofit training videos Proposed Project
Note.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005 County nfHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-21 Hawaii Couruy Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strate,U
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Project Description Status
Conduct Public Meetings on VOG and how to mitigate it's effects Supplement with studies to Proposed Project
document the rate of
removal(efficacy)of the
various proposed VOG
mitigation techniques
Hazard Information GIS Mapping Public Website: Parcel-based one-stop multi- Proposed Project,Some of the
The architecture would be to allow a client to enter a TMK,an address,or a ZIP hazard lookup;the website maps may not yet have been
code,and then be able to bring up a sequence of maps relevant to that location. must be easily and reliably developed;it would be
If the TMK or address was entered,then that location would be flagged or maintained. advisable to consult with
highlighted,on each map;if a ZIP code is entered,then the ZIP code area respective domain experts on
covered would be highlighted. For each hazard,the client would be able to the types of information that
bring up maps for each threat associated with the hazard. The client could then can be provided and the level
click through to additional information on:what structures are most vulnerable of effort that would be required
to the threat;how to mitigate for that particular threat;and links to additional to be both useful and cost-
information on the threat. effective for this effort.
Hazard Information GIS Mapping Public Website:
Hazard Threat Primary Products Secondary Products/links
Storm Sure Coastal Inundation Maps Design guidelines/standards for construction in coastal inundation zones
Hurricane High Winds Wind Acceleration Maps Guidance on mitigation for high winds
Flash Flooding FIRM Maps Guidance on flood-proofing dwellings
Ground Acceleration Earthquake Ground Acceleration traps Guidance on earthquake retrofits for structural upgrades;Non-structural
Earthquake Soil amplification/liquefaction maps mitigation measures;hnfo on structures most at risk
Liquifaction Liquifaction Map, Structural guidance for liquefaction area,
Volcanic Eruption Lava flow Lava flow risk maps HVO web,ite
Vog Vog risk map(to be developed) Vog chemistry and types of threats(catchment,respiratory,corrosion)
Ash and tephra fall Risk map of ashfall IVHHN web site(http://www.ivhhn.og/)
Maps of ash deposits from known
eruptions(Kilauea)
Tsunami Coastal Flooding Inundation and Evacuation Maps Design guidelines/standards for coil suuctioil in inundation zones
Guidance on locally-generated tsunami
Flashflooding Water and FIRM Maps Flood-proofing residential dwellings
debris flow
Wildland fires Range and forest fire Long-term Rainfall/drought potential Drought assessment maps
maps;Map of historical tires on each (htip://)x-ww.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert assessment/drought_as:
island need to be developed) t.shtml
Conduct Public Meetings for Persons with Special Needs Proposed Project
Nnte.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. Cnuntl,nfHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-22 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Project Description Status
Visitor Industry Disaster Preparation&Training Proposed Project
Disaster Mitigation Planning Service for Communities Performed by High Proposed Project
School Students
Install seismometers in Middle Schools for educational awareness purposes Proposed Project
Go to Page 1
Go to Page 2
Nnte.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. Cnunty nfHawaii Multi-Hazard_Mitigation Plan
19-23 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Mitigation Actions for Hurricane and Wind Events
Project Description Status
Identify high windspeed areas and vulnerable High Windspeed areas are now mapped,and Not effective for new construction until county
structures have been adopted in the State Building Code adopts IBC 2006;can be used to evaluate risk
to existing buildings
Adapt HAZUS-MH or other hazard modeling to Hawaii Incorporate Hawaii building inventory and critical Proposed Planning Project;The HAZUS
Island facilities into the HAZUS MH wind risk model. model now has a realistic building inventory
Hurricanes will cause much higher losses than for Hawaii and Maui,but it needs to be
earthquakes to residential buildings;vulnerable converted to the building modeling scheme
structures can be identified with respect to high used for hurricane analysis.
wind zones
Emergency shelter evaluation;Harden public schools There is a shortage of shelter buildings in Hawaii Proposed Project;
for emergency shelters. Of the 14 hurricane shelters County. Perform a 1-year study to identify and Then follow-up with the more detailed DAGS-
on the island,only 4 have been evaluated by DAGS: rank Hawaii building types that could be standardized structural evaluation procedure for
• Holualoa E.S. deemed safer for hurricane resistance without those public shelter facilities that have higher
• Waikoloa E.S.bldg D exhaustive site investigations. Use this vulnerability.
• Waikoloa E.S.bldg E screening criteria to determine the number of
• Konawaena E.S. low vulnerability buildings available for refuge
Perform a comprehensive screening evaluation of in the private sector. This could result in a
public hurricane shelters and private sector buildings decrease in the number of persons that would
for possible use for refuge report to a public shelter.
Hawaii County All-Hazard Assessment of Hurricane This project would conduct onsite building Proposed Project:
Shelters:Perform detailed evaluations similar to what construction as-built data collection for the This detailed evaluation will be identifying
was done for Hawaii County critical facilities remaining 10 hurricane shelter buildings, priority buildings and providing the information
using the more detailed DAGS-standardized necessary to submit PDM grant applications for
structural evaluation procedure that follows three to four retrofit projects.
the criteria established by the legislature. The
three to four facilities with the highest-ranked
losses will be taken to a detailed evaluation using
Benefit Cost Analysis of potential mitigation
measures.
Hardening ofWaiakea High School Gym Waiakea High School Gym is a designated Last proposed for FY09 PDM grant; reapplied
Window,Door& Enclosure Retrofitting hurricane shelter,but has glass doors and glass under HGMP. Application requires further
Possible Roof&Framing connection retrofitting louvers investigation to define precise scope and cost,
as well as developing the BCA
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Nnte.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. County nfHawaii Multi-Hazard_Mitigation Plan
19-24 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Mitigation Actions for Earthquake Events
Project Description Status
Identify earthquake-induced ground failure areas Proposed Planning Project
Adapt HAZUS-MH or other hazard modeling to Hawaii New building inventory data for Hawaii County will make HAZUS MH new model for disaster
Island,Develop scenario training and mitigation HAZUS MH be capable of producing earthquake damage planning will be ready for use in 2009
planning capabilities maps and reports at a much higher spatial resolution, for update of the PDC Earthquake
based on the best available building and soil data,and it Scenario Atlas
will perform analysis using ShakeMap output from USGS.
Update the HAZUS MH model to incorporate detailed Compile detailed data on bridges in Hawaii County Proposed HSEAC Planning Project
data on State and County Bridges Update the HAZUS MH model and develop more
accurate bridge damage estimates for earthquake
Current loss models reflect default data that is scenarios
incomplete and not up to date with present status that Formulate priority rankings of higher vulnerability bridges
includes bridges that have been seismically retrofitted not yet retrofitted
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Nnte.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. County nfHawaii Multi-Hazard_Mitigation Plan
19-25 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Mitigation Actions for Lava/VOG
Project Description Status
NOAH HYSPLIT Model tries to forecast S02 hourly based Based on wind modeling of dipersion over the course of Being used in an evaluation trial at
on meteorological conditions and emission rates of the each day. HCDA and USGS HVO.
Halemaumau and Pu'u O'o sources.
Develop probabilistic lava flow maps and modeling: One of the technical issues is in how to consider Preliminary 100-year%probability of
USGS is in the process of modernizing the lava inundation overtopped prior flows that become concealed by more inundation maps are being developed
probabilistic maps. Based on average recurrence intervals recent flows. Otherwise,the map probabilities may be in 2009. Need to resolve under-
with a poisson probabilistic model. too law. sampling of hazard before releasing.
Could either use borings and/or
simulation to refine.
Enhanced Interactive Lava Flow Modeling Program FlowGo The model does not compute a rate of advance of the Received FEMA funding and under
II terminus of the flow. Land cover roughness,are factors development: The most likely
The study will provide updated information to identify at-risk that are not a part of the present model formulation,but candidate for use of this model is the
areas as a lava flow progresses,and assist in locating which would be needed to be considered in the model to upslope part of Mauna Loa.
highest hazard areas as flows approach. estimate a rate of flow. The model does not include
build-up of deposited lava affecting the path of
subsequent flows.
Evaluate economic impacts and critical infrastructure and To be based on probabilistic lava hazard mapping under The existing lava hazard zone maps
facility vulnerability from lava inundation development by HVO have been used to determine
expected losses to residential
construction in each district
Community testing of pH and metal content in water Conducted by CSAV at community workshops
catchments stems
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Nnte.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. Cnunty nfHawaii Multi-Hazard_Mitigation Plan
19-26 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING PRIORITIZATION RESULTS INDICATED)OCTOBER 12,2009 PAGE 1
Mitigation Actions for Tsunamis
Project Description Status
Update tsunami evacuation maps: The 2-D model is based on good topographic data along Ongoing project: Any necessary
Tsunami Inundation and Runup Mapping: Analysis of the the coastline(e.g.,LIDAR). "Maximum credible evacuation zone changes would be
island of Hawaii based on scenarios from tsunami-genic inundation"used to develop evacuation maps done by Quince Mento of HCDA based
source regions along the Pacific Rim. Big Island mapping on updated information from UH
focuses on 13 populated areas around the island. SOEST
Need to note significant discrepancy with new FIRM maps. It The present maps have historical tsunami inundation Proposed Planning Project: There will
was originally thought that the 2-D modeled tsunami embedded,but the new DFIRMS do not. FEMA is need to be post-DFIRM modifications to
inundation maps would be incorporated into the FIRM maps addressing this issue in 2010 with a payload study to the Flood Maps if tsunami inundation is
as the VE zone. However,FEMA is using a standard 1-D compare the differences between the existing and new to be any factor in zoning and
model nationwide and would not allow exceptions. DFIRM maps,and to produce maps using the greater construction requirements.
effect along the south and west coasts. Phase I: The first step is to compare
the differences between the existing
and new FIRM maps to determine
where historic or the recently modeled
tsunami hazard is greater.
Phase II: UHM SOEST mapping(by
Kwok Fai Cheung)can produce 100-
year and 500-year probabilisitic tsunami
hazard maps to provide future local
modifications to the DFIRMs.
Tsunami design guidelines for buildings Update of the design provisions for tsunami bore impact Under development by University of
Sept 2010 guidelines for new and for evaluating existing and inundation/scouring Hawaii at Manoa,Princeton,OSU,and
buildings. Martin&Chock;for future adoption
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Note.-Italics indicates project called for in the 2005 County ofHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-27 Hawaii County Hulti-Hazard Mitigatimr Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Mitigation Actions for Flooding
Description Status
Modernize FIRM maps with local amendments See http:gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat Existing maps include historic tsunami
FEMA has revised the DFIRM's and Flood Insurance Also included a re-evaluation of the inundation,but the new hurricane flood
Study based on hurricane flooding hazard. Puukapu Watershed of the Waimea area study maps do not account for this
These FIS maps do not include historic tsunami hazard. FEMA is addressing this issue in
inundation data. The next step is to compare the 2010 with a payload study to compare the
Project differences between the existing and new FIRM maps to differences between the existing and new
determine where historic or the recently modeled tsunami DFIRM maps,and to produce maps using
inundation hazard is greater. the greater effect along the south and
west coasts.
Area Development Plan for Existing and Future Floodplain management and land use Ongoing project scope: Recommend
Development regulatory integration scope of work revisions to the Department of Public
This project proposes to refine regulations and policies for includes examining regulatory integration Works for Chapters 10 and 27;and
new development and provide community outreach in of grading ordinance(HCC chap 10), recommend revisions to the Planning
regards to protection/precaution measures. Context flood control code(chap 27),subdivision Department for Chapters 23 and 25 and
Sensitive Solutions methodology will be used to identify a code(chap 23),and zoning code(chap develop new regulatory measures to
comprehensive programmatic approach to mitigate the 25) reduce flood hazards within the County of
risks to existing and future developments. The study also Hawaii and to earn FEMA Community
proposes to identify and prioritize floodplain mapping, Rating System(CRS)points for the
develop policies for unprotected subdivisions,and County of Hawai'i.
coordinate disaster preparedness planning for floods.
Develop rainfall and streamflow gaging system suitable to Internet accessible tool to view real-time NOAA PSC developing prototype
flood monitoring rainfall and streamflow data application for emergency managers
Precipitation-Frequency Atlas of the US Hawaiian Islands http://hdsc.new.noas.gov/hdsc/pfds NOAA release May 2009
Inlcudes:precipitation frequency estimates for durations
from 5-minutes through 60 days,for return periods of 1-
year through 1000 years.
Feasibility of participating in the Community Rating Results in reduction in flood insurance Project requires documentation effort and
System premiums analysis of repetitive loss properties
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Note.'Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. County gfHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-28 Hawaii Cnurny Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Mitigation Actions for Flooding
Description Status
Develop policies for repetitive loss structures Policy may or may not make economic This depends on an analysis of repetitive
sense from a Benefit Cost Analysis loss properties
Dam&Reservoir Safety DLNR and USCOE Evaluation; DWS repair of Kiholo Bay earthquake
Drafting of Dam Safety Guidelines USCOE dam break inundation study of 11 damage at Waikoloa
Permitting requirements for new dam construction dams statewide;PDC study of"sunny DLNR Engineering Division is completing
Project Certification of compliance that owners meet Phase I day"dam break inundation for 138 dams Phase I Detailed Visual Inspections,and
operation and maintenance recommendations and have statewide;dam break evacuation maps to updating the state dam inventory C-122.
an emergency action plan. be developed by PDC for FEMA
LIDAR-based remapping of stream beds(list by NRCS Proposed Project
c RC&D
v'R Use non-uniform return periods for flood plains Proposed Project
d - Control development with region-specific ordinances in Proposed Project
£m w d high hazard or unknown hazard watersheds
o = o c, Evaluate applicability of FEMA floodproofing mitigation for Proposed Project
—�°� Hawaii homes
> £ Evaluate feasibility of absorption approach to floodplain Proposed Project
d
W c rn management
is o aNi ° Evaluate use of retention structures for high slope areas Proposed Project
ZUIY r= a
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Note.'Italics indicates project called.fin-in the 2005 County gfHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-29 Hawaii Cnurny Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Mitigation Actions for Drought and Wildfire Events
Description Status
Drought/Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan County of Hawaii Drought Mitigation Strategy Being updated
2004
Identify wildfire hazard areas: See GIS maps in Drought Risk and Completed.
Vulnerability Assessment and GIS Mapping
Project Project,UHSOEST and SSRI,2003
Wildland Fire Mitigation Resource Mapping and Core resource inventory completed Periodic updates needed every 18
Inventory Program: Continue the development and months. Hawaii Wildfire Management
maintenance of a GIS map and database to identify Organization does these updates;
the location,type,and contact information for HWMO is also working on a portable
various widland fire protection resources. version for first responders—due
December 2009.
Establish and maintain firebreaks around roads and $2.21M Long-term 1 5-yr proposed project
communities in North and South Kohala districts
(includes the Kawaihae,Waikoloa,and Waimea
LL
communities
M Mitigate wildfire threat along strategic corridors in $500,000 2-year project Wildfire mitigation for the forest is an
the Puako Forest to reduce the threat of a Ladder fuels along these corridors will be element in the South Kohala
catastrophic crown fire that could destroy the forest removed. Community Development Plan,which
and homes as well as threaten nearby resort was adopted by ordinance by Hawaii
complexes. County in 2008.
Install dry hydrants and develop static water $10,000/site in high hazard wildland fire Proposed Project
sources: The water source/dry hydrant will allow districts
fire trucks to refill their water tanks when fighting
forest and grassland fires in the Hamakua area.
Remote Weather Montoring:Establish and $85,000;Intellisense telemetry system under 5-yr proposed project
maintenance Remote Automated Weather Stations development by UH This project partially completed with 3
in the districts of North Kohala,South Kohala,Kau, new RAWS stations in S.Kohala&
Kona,and Mauna Kea. Kona
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Note.'Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. County ofHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-30 Hawaii Cnurny Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Description Status
Use of prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads in fire $1.1 M annually for 500-acres;DOFAW 15-yr proposed project
prone areas of Hawaii County: Use prescribed Note that the proposed active may be in conflict
burns in fire prone areas including the communities where there are native forests
of Waimea,Kawaihae,Puako,Waikoloa,Puu
Anahulu,and Kailua-Kona.
Project Roadside fuel management: Develop and maintain Proposed Project
a roadside fuel management program along an
identified corridor of Highway 190,South
Kohala/North Kona.
Agricultural practices to mitigate wildland fires in Needs a tax break incentive
communities and subdivisions:Continue to
investigate and expand agricultural practices to
mitigate wildfire impacts by using livestock grazing
in open pastures as a fuel management tool.
This plan should be completed before final When developing these elements,the following
subdivision approval is granted.These plans should standards should be considered:
recommend specific measures for reducing wildfire • National Fire Protection(NFPA)document
hazard in the interface areas between the 1141,Standard for Fire Protection
subdivision and any range/open lands or forests Infrastructure for Land Development in
and in any open areas within the subdivision. Suburban and Rural Areas,
• National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA)document 1144:Standard for
Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from
Wildland fire,and
• Criteria which delineate when and how
new subdivisions will be required to install
di tanks.
Improvements to old plantation irrigation system $30M Received partial FEMA funding
tunnels and ditches:Lower Hamakua Ditch System
Renovations/improvements to old plantation $3M Proposed Project
m irrigation system tunnels and ditches:Kau Sugar
System Reactivation
Improvements to old plantation irrigation system $261V Proposed Project
°1 tunnels and ditches and new Kauahi reservoir:
a Waimea Go to Pao.1
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Note.'Italics indicates project called for in the 2005. County gfHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-31 Hawaii Cnurny Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Description Status
Improvements to the Kohala Ditch Irrigation Proposed Project
Aqueduct Improvements to old plantation irrigation
transmission system: Ditch lining and/or closed
piping work still needs to be done
Renovate and Reactivate old abandoned plantation $2.51V Proposed Project
Project wells in Pahala
Renovate and Reativate old Hamakua $100,000 Proposed Project
Slaughterhouse well for non-potable agricultural
use in Honokaa/Hamakua
Construct new wells,surface water diversions, Investigation
storage and transmission lines in priority areas
Irrigating wisely: Promote better irrigation practices $100,000 Proposed Project
and water management.
Agricultural Water System for Kona,Honomalino: $25M In planning
Provide a reliable source of water for agriculture
and fire fighting assistance.
Evaluate vulnerability of County water systems and $1 M Completed
water trucking capacity: Emergency Community
Water Stations: Improve access to community
water stations and develop additional stations for
persons on catchment in priority areas.
Dam&Reservoir Improvements Puu Waawaa Reservoir Completed; Note:post-earthquake repairs are
$250K for Poohoohoo Reservoir Relining and currently being done%ompleted on
pipeline HDWS, DHHL,and HDOA reservoirs
Develop wells,storage,and construct transmission $20M for 177 ranch lots encompassing 10,000 This project is underway and will be
systems for Puuka u acres completed
Development and extension of domestic water $10M Completed
a transmissions stem for Kawaihae
CL Extension of domestic water transmission system Well,pump and tank being
y
for Oceanview completed;water spigot stations
Develop wells,storage,and construct transmission Needs planning study Need to establish improvement
systems for Puna district to finance this project.
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Note.'Italics indicates project called for in the 2005 County gfHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-32 Hawaii Cnurny Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING OCTOBER 12,2009
Description Status
Makalei Water System Improvements: Develop $5M Proposed 4-yr Project
additional wells and reservoirs as well as upgrade
the transmission system in the area from Keahole
to Kailua-Kona foragricultural users.
Various Water System Improvements within the $50M Proposed 15-yr Project
Project County of Hawaii: Develop additional sources,
storage facilities,as well as upgrade the
transmission and distribution systems in high
priority areas.
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19-33 Hawaii Cnurny Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Stratq,
HAWAII COUNTY PROJECT/PROPOSAL SUMMARY LISTING PRIORITIZATION RESULTS INDICATED)OCTOBER 12,2009 PAGE 1
Mitigation Actions for Landslides and Rockfalls,and Coastal Escarpment Erosion
Project Description Status
Identify landslide and coastal erosion hazard areas and DOT study of rock-fall vulnerability on state highways
mitigation actions
New UH study is to generate potential slope stability GIS maps are included,which could be used for To start in 2009,completion subsequent
hazard maps which could be used to identify zones that prioritization of investigations as well as assessment to this hazard mitigation plan update
may warrant further detailed evaluation during project tools for earthquake preparedness
planning.
Project to incorporate landslide risk loss estimation into A URS approach involved the interactions of three Under Development with completion in
HAZUS. Earthquake analysis would identify slope failure primary slope hazard input criteria simplified to low, 2009;but needs further calibration and
regions. medium and high hazard susceptibility. Three criteria: validation
topography,geology,moisture content
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Note.'Italics indicates project called for in the 2005 County ofHawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
19-34 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigatimr Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy Appendix
Hazard Mitigation Project ••• - of 1 1
Agency/Organization: Hawaii Health Systems
Jurisdiction: County of Hawaii Corporation,a public benefit corporation of the
State of Hawaii ;the nation's fourth largest public
hospitals stem
Project Title: Hurricane and Seismic Retrofit of Contact Person: Warren Okaba ashi
Kau Hospital, Island of Hawaii Phone: 808 974-4773
email: wokabayashi@hhsc.org
Project Physical Address:1 Kamani Street, Pahala, Hawaii 96777
Project TMK: 19° 11' 59.76" N 155°28' 18.90"W
Natural Hazard(s)to be Mitigated(check hazard[s]that apply):
❑Drought ❑Erosion ❑Flood MHurricane, High Winds ❑Landslide ESeismic ❑Tsunami
olcano/Lava Flow ❑Wildfire ❑Other(specify): HAZMAT
Meets Criteria for Environmental/Historical Preservation Long Range Solution(+15 years):
Soundness:
❑ No 0 Yes ❑ No Yes If Yes,# ears: 25
Is Project Currently Listed in the State Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan and/or Applicable County Multi Hazard
Mitigation Plan?
State Plan: ❑ No Yes Count Plan: ❑ No Yes
Applying For check all that apply): HMGP E PDM E State Mitigation Plan Project List
Estimated TOTAL Cost of Project:$600,000 Project Period(duration):
Estimated Federal Share of Project:$450,000 Estimated Non-Federal Share of Project:$150,000
Estimated Value of Structure or Facility:$8,640,000
Estimated Value of Structure's Contents:$4,320,000
Source(s)of Non-Federal Cost Match:State of Hawaii Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
Project Description (use additional pages if necessary):
Non-structural Retrofitting of Existing Buildings and Facilities.Modifications to the non-structural elements of
an existing isolated hospital facility to reduce or eliminate the risk of future damage,protect patients,and
ensure continuity of operations. Non-structural retrofits include:
• Install exterior mounted roll-down storm shutters for windborne debris protection of windows
• provide seismic bracing of existing ceilings in essential facility areas ,
• removal of an incinerator stack that is a potential falling hazard,and
• mitigation against hurricane and windstorms through protection against windborne debris impacts
on rooftop mechanical systems and
• anchorage of nearby ancillary structures on site that would otherwise be large debris sources..
This is a multi-hazard retrofit in which the State of Hawaii's contribution is
• the retrofit of the ventilation system to mitigate against harmful volcanic gas emissions and
• abatement of some indoor hazardous ceiling material.
With these retrofits,the capability for continuity of operations during hurricanes and earthquakes is
improved. Kau Hospital is the only hospital serving the southern part of the County of Hawaii;the nearest
alternate hospital is over 60 miles away. The Hawaii County All-Hazards Assessment of Critical Facilities
identified this 1968 facility as having a higher priority for hazard mitigation from a comprehensive risk
analysis of 80 critical buildings in Hawaii County.
$600,000 Cost(Design and Construction)are itemized as follows:
Window Protection against Windborne Debris $287,000
Ancillary Structure Anchorage for Wind $5,000
Rooftop Equipment Protection against Windborne Debris $65,000
Incinerator Demolition to Remove Falling Hazard $80,000
Ceiling Seismic Bracing $163,000
The Benefit Cost Analysis Tool Version 4.5.5 indicates a 25-year Benefit of$4.001 M; Benefit Cost Ratio of 6.67
A19-1 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy Appendix
Today's Date: September 30, 2009 (Revised November 2009)
Considerations Comments
Community Acceptance Yes
Social Adversely Affects Segments of No
the Population
Technical Feasibility Yes
Technical Long-Term Solution Yes
Secondary Impacts No
Staffing Yes
Administrative Funding Allocated Cost-match of$130,000 letter of certification available
Maintenance/Operations Minimal long-term maintenance costs are included in
the BCA
Political Support Yes,high level support
Political Plan Proponent Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
Public Support Yes
Authority Yes
Legal Action Subject to Legal No
Challenge
Extensive benefit to ensuring continuity of critical
Economic Benefit services provided by this hospital during hurricanes
and earthquakes
Cost of Action $520k total project cost,fed share=$390,000(75%of
total)
Contributes to Economic Goals Yes
Outside Funding Required State of Hawaii has appropriated for its required 25%
cost-match
Affects Land/Water Bodies No
Affects Endangered Species No
Environmental Affects Hazardous Materials No
and Waste Sites
Consistent w/Community Yes
Environmental Goals
Consistent w/Federal Laws Yes
Community Profile
The Ka'u district is a rural agricultural district. Per the Hawaii County General Plan (2005), Ka'u
district has high percentages of special needs and vulnerable populations (youth under <18,
elderly 60+years, public assistance). These populations tend to be disproportionately impacted
by natural hazard events, and may require special consideration when preparing for,
responding to, and recovering from a disaster. Communities in Ka'u district are at risk from a
number of hazards including hazard events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, lava flows and
hurricanes, and chronic hazards such as volcanic gas emissions.
How the proposed activity relates to the FEMA-approved mitigation plan:
The first priority for implementation of the Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is the
hardening and retrofitting of critical facilities, i.e., those providing critical services such as
hospitals.
How the proposed activity relates to the State's FEMA-approved mitigation plan:
Per the State of Hawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter 7 Mitigation Strategy, "Hospitals,
fire stations, police stations, and other facilities statewide have been determined to be critical.
Hawai'i County is also subject to hurricane and coastal flooding hazards. A comprehensive
engineering screening of vulnerability of critical facilities would be of considerable benefit by
A19-2 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy Appendix
evaluating building performance and prioritizing the need for retrofit." The proposed PDM
project is the result of that strategic process of selecting the most vulnerable critical facilities
and developing the most cost-effective retrofits to enable improved functionality during a
disaster.
The Kau Hospital Hurricane and Seismic Retrofit project was developed as a result of a Hawaii
County All-Hazards Assessment of Critical Facilities investigation that was conducted in 2008-
2009. The project engineering team lead by the University of Hawaii conducted an all-hazard
rapid visual screening of critical facility buildings in the County of Hawaii. This included
emergency command and control facilities, emergency first responders (fire stations,
ambulance and police facilities), hospitals and clinics, and the two major airports (KOA and ITO).
The assessment comprised approximately 80 buildings.
A HAZUS MH risk assessment model has been used to evaluate the expected losses for each
building, using features determined from examination of the original construction plans and the
site visits. The vulnerability of a building can be measured by economic loss or by loss of
functionality related to the extent of damage. Both of these risk measures for earthquake and
hurricane hazards were analyzed at an equivalent level of probability, so that an "apples to
apples" comparison of effects for each building was possible. From the HAZUS MH analysis of
all critical facility buildings in the study, we first identified a shorter candidate list of 32
structures that ranked higher in risk. Then building design and construction feature
vulnerabilities were explicitly reviewed in order to determine, from the nine best mitigation
candidates, the two higher-ranked facilities that were designated by Hawaii Civil Defense
Agency for more detailed evaluation and development of recommended mitigation. After a
preliminary engineering design and cost estimate, a Benefit-Cost Analysis was performed to
evaluate the mitigation project because the analysis indicated high vulnerability to seismic and
hurricane hazards.. This same detailed evaluation provided the information necessary to
submit the full PDM grant application to FEMA.
Type of mitigation activity proposed:
Non-structural Retrofitting of Existing Buildings and Facilities. Modifications to the non-
structural elements of an existing isolated hospital facility to reduce or eliminate the risk of
future damage, protect patients, and ensure continuity of operations. Non-structural retrofits
include bracing of building ceilings to prevent earthquake damage, protection against
windborne debris breaching of the enclosure, and protection of ventilation systems,
enhancement of the ventilation system to include better indoor air quality, and the abatement
of hazardous material.
Ka'u Hospital in Pahala, Hawaii, provides long-term care and acute care, obstetrics, emergency
room, ambulance, and outpatient services. It is an essential facility for the southern Hawaii
County districts of Puna, Kau, and South Kona. It is located in the Kau District of the County of
Hawaii, the region of highest seismic hazard in the state, highest concentration of volcanic gas
emissions, and is subject to hurricanes and windstorms since Hawaii is a hurricane and
windborne debris hazard region. Built in 1968, its as-built condition predates modern
A19-3 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
Chapter 19:Mitigation Strategy Appendix
requirements for seismic bracing of nonstructural elements and protection against windborne
debris impacting windows. A common gas produced during the nearby Hawaiian eruptions just
to the east that is potentially harmful to human health is sulfur dioxide. Exposure to gases can
endanger those with heart and respiratory ailments.
This is a multi-hazard retrofit in which the State of Hawaii's contribution is the retrofit of the
ventilation system to mitigate against harmful volcanic gas emissions and abatement of some
indoor hazardous material. The Federal share contribution is for seismic bracing of the ceiling
grid in essential facility areas, removal of an incinerator stack that is a potential seismic falling
hazard, and mitigation against hurricane and windstorms through protection against windborne
debris impacts on windows and rooftop mechanical systems and anchorage of nearby ancillary
structures on site that would otherwise be large debris sources.
Matching funds will come from two sources, both expenditures of the Hawaii Health System
Corporation: 1) Final design and construction documents for the retrofits prepared by a
structural engineer, and 2) a Capital Improvement Project for Kau Hospital to provided
enhanced supply air handling system to mitigate against Volcanic Gas (VOG), ceiling asbestos
abatement, and the replacement of vulnerable jalousie louver windows for improved hurricane
resistance and better control of the interior air environment. In past VOG episodes, patients
have needed to be relocated to other hospitals because of lack of sufficient air pre-conditioning
to eliminate sulfur dioxide and other VOG particulates. According to Hawaii Volcano
Observatory 2008 estimates, Kilauea Volcano emits 2,300 tons of sulfur dioxide per day.
The project was determined by the FEMA BCA tool to have over $4 million in benefits over 25
years accrued from building loss protection, contents loss prevention, and functionality
protection to enable continuity of operations during hurricane and earthquake disasters. The
Benefit Cost Ratio is expected to be 6.67.
Thus,the combination of the proposed FEMA PDM retrofits with the state's already planned air
handling and enclosure retrofits will mitigate against hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic gas
hazards.
A19-4 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan