Commissioner’s Memorandum 2026-3A: Updated FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Oʻahu
Summary
The Hawaii Insurance Commissioner issued Memorandum 2026-3A informing insurance producers, administrators, and surplus lines brokers of FEMA's updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) affecting over 3,500 parcels on Oʻahu. The updated maps take effect June 10, 2026, and may designate previously unaffected parcels as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), triggering mandatory flood insurance requirements and new building standards. The Commissioner requests that insurance professionals proactively inform clients about the changes and available NFIP policy discounts.
What changed
FEMA has updated its Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Oʻahu, effective June 10, 2026, changing flood risk designations for over 3,500 parcels. Parcels newly mapped into Special Flood Hazard Areas will face mandatory flood insurance requirements under the National Flood Insurance Program and must comply with City building standards under ROH Chapter 21A. The Commissioner is requesting that insurance producers assist by informing their clients of these changes, the potential insurance implications, available NFIP discounts, and directing those seeking coverage to FEMA's provider list at floodsmart.gov.
Insurance producers should be prepared for increased client inquiries regarding flood coverage requirements and NFIP discount eligibility as these map changes take effect. Properties newly designated as SFHAs may face higher insurance costs and mandatory purchase requirements for flood coverage, making timely communication with clients essential.
Archived snapshot
Apr 18, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Release: Commissioner’s Memorandum 2026-3A: Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps
April 8, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Share
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA
NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
SCOTT K. SAIKI
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
To: All Insurance Producers, Administrators and Surplus Lines Brokers
From: Scott K. Saiki, Insurance Commissioner
Subject: Commissioner’s Memorandum 2026-3A Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Attachment: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps Discounts Flyer
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently updated its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), resulting in changes to the flood risk designation of over 3,500 parcels across Oʻahu that will become effective June 10, 2026. These updates are crucial for understanding flood risk island-wide and preparing property owners accordingly. Your role in guiding clients through these changes is vital.
Due to these map revisions, some parcels may now be designated as high-risk flood zones, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), for the first time. Properties newly mapped into a SFHA require specific building standards (ROH Chapter 21A – Flood Hazard Areas) and may be subject to mandatory flood insurance requirements.
We request your assistance in proactively informing your clients about the FIRM updates, potential impacts on insurance requirements, and new building standards. Given the potential cost burdens, the city has developed the attached flyer providing a list of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy discounts property owners may be eligible for. This flyer has been shared with real estate professionals and the general public, so your clients may be reaching out to learn more. If your firm does not offer private or NFIP-backed flood insurance or discounts, please direct inquirers to FEMA’s webpage which hosts a list of NFIP-backed providers.
Resources and detailed information about the FIRM updates are available at resilientoahu.org/GetFloodReady. Additionally, FEMA has prepared a special brochure with resources and information, specifically for insurance agents.
Thank you for helping our community prepare for and respond to flood risk.
Related changes
Get daily alerts for HI Naturopathy Board
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from HI Insurance Division.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when HI Naturopathy Board publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.