HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-03 Mayor Harry Kim's testimony re SB 873 & SB 1118Harry Kim
Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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(Office of tk rffinpr
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 e Hilo, Hawaii 96720 e (808) 961-8211 . Fax (808) 961-6553
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February 3, 2017
Senator Clarence K. Nishihara, Chair
Public Safety, Intergovernmental & Military Affairs
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Agriculture & Environment
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chairs Nishihara and Gabbard, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 873 and SB 1118
Thank you for this opportunity to testify against SB 873 and SB 1118.
We are informed by the State National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator that her
agency has been working closely with FEMA to prevent the State from being suspended
from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). That program provides flood maps
used to identify flood risk areas; flood insurance; disaster relief assistancetfunds; and
much more. Participation in the NFIP is essential for the State and counties of Hawaii
in terms of federal assistance for damage sustained during natural disasters.
It is my understanding that administration bills HB 1122 and SB 988 would bring the
State into compliance with FEMA's regulations, while SB 873 and SB1118 could
jeopardize our continued participation.
Therefore, we respectfully request that SB873 and SB 1118 be filed.
Respectfully -submitted,
Harry Ki
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Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer