HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0176.073 2006-2008 Hawaii Developers Council
c/o 44-420 Kaneohe Bay Drive
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 -
May 15, 2007
The Honorable Pete Hoffman, Chairperson
Members of the Hawaii County Council
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Facsimile: (808) 961-8912
Subject: Bill 51, amendments to Chapter 27
Dear Chairperson Hoffman and Members of the Hawaii County Council,
This letter is to provide The Hawaii Developers Council concerns regarding
recent amendments to Bill 51 relating to Chapter 27 of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2005 edition).
The National Flood Insurance Program (NIFP) is requiring local governments
bring local codes and regulations into conformance with recent changes to NIFP
regulations by September, 2007 in order for homeowners and businesses in
these local areas to remain eligible for funds in the event of a flood disaster. In
response the Department of Public Works (DPW) proposed revisions to Chapter
27 in the original drafting of Bill 51.
Subsequently, Bill 51 has undergone amendments that go beyond intent of
Chapter 27 and complying with NIFP regulations.
We strongly support amendments to Chapter 27 to bring the chapter into
compliance with NIFP regulations. NIFP regulations provide a consistent and
nationally recognized set of standards by which flooding hazards are evaluated.
Provided that local codes and regulations comply with the NIFP regulations,
homeowners, business owners and other have access to favorable flood
insurance rates that would otherwise be unavailable.
However, we oppose changing the intent and scope of Chapter 27 beyond
compliance with NIFP regulations as it could jeopardize Hawaii County residents
and businesses access to favorable flood insurance rates and eligible funds in
the event of a flood disaster.
May 15, 2007
Mr. Peter Hoffman
Page 2
We recommend development or subdivision standards, without proven scientific
basis, such as proposed by amendment to article 4, section 27-18 (c) (8) which
may restrict construction (including grading, drainage, drainage basins,
roadways, buildings, infrastructure and other improvements) to 20% of the total
land area of any lot or proposed new subdivision in areas that have greater than
10% slope, be deleted from the amendment until proper analysis has been
accomplished by licensed engineers.
Bill 51 includes building standards above those required to meet NIFP
regulations such as constructing homes and other buildings one foot above base
flood elevations. We feel that the NIFP regulations have been generated based
on significant research effort and vetted with considerable resources when
compared to the effort and resources available to the our County. Changing or
upgrading the NIFP regulations, unless warranted by a local condition as certified
by engineers, will increase costs to homeowners (including affordable home
buyers or renters) and businesses with no apparent reduction in flood insurance
or other benefit.
We encourage the County Council to expedite changes to Chapter 27 needed to
comply with NIFP regulations. Other changes should be carefully considered
with the proper time and resources, to vet all pertinent issues affected by the
proposed changes.
We respectfully submit our concerns to the Hawaii County Council for
consideration when enacting legislation regarding the health and safety of the
residents and businesses of the County of Hawaii.
Please feel free to contact me (808) 284-4221 or 808.284.4221 @earthlink.net if
you would like to discuss our concerns further.
Aloha, _
Frederic Berg
President