Requires each county to adopt ordinance to participate in the community rating system of the National Flood Insurance Program. Appropriate funds to the counties to implement the Act. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The community rating system of the National Flood Insurance Program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a voluntary incentive program. The goals of the community rating system are to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, and promote awareness of flood insurance. Participation in the community rating system may result in discounts in flood insurance premiums of up to forty-five per cent; presently however, only the county of Maui is participating in the system.

The purpose of this Act is to require each of the counties to participate in the community rating system.

SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46-   Flood insurance program. Each county shall adopt an ordinance designating a county official to be a full-time coordinator to work with the National Flood Insurance Program in the program's community rating system. The designated county official shall submit any necessary documentation to participate in the community rating system and ensure that the county is in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the following sums, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to assist the counties in implementing this Act:

City and county of Honolulu $

County of Kauai $

County of Maui $

County of Hawaii $

Total $

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the respective counties for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. The sums appropriated shall constitute the State's share of the cost of mandated programs under Article VIII, section 5, of the State Constitution.

SECTION 6. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.