Appropriates $10,000,000 to the county of Hawaii for flood plain management.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The rapid home construction that has occurred on the island of Hawaii has highlighted a need for updating flood maps in various districts around the island. The districts of Kona, Kohala, and Puna are especially in need of flood maps as new property owners build homes that could be in flood-prone areas. In these districts, older existing subdivisions were built without the benefit of a flood study or mapping effort. When new homes are built, the homeowners may be unknowingly exposing themselves to flood danger and also may be diverting flood runoff to areas that previously never flooded.

With the help of new flood maps, the county of Hawaii would be able to advise property owners of potential flood hazards so they can make informed decisions about where to build or how best to protect their assets. Therefore, there is an urgent need for county government to identify and designate areas on flood maps that can and will experience periodic flooding. Once these flood plains are identified, potential home builders can be warned and precautions taken through the building permit review and approval process.

In addition to helping property owners who may be building new homes, these maps will also help existing homeowners to obtain the appropriate level of flood insurance protection should their homes already be located on a flood plain.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State the sum of $10,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for flood plain management in the county of Hawaii.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the county of Hawaii for the purpose of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.