Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
FEMA's Updated Flood Maps for Oʻahu to Impact Thousands of Properties

FEMA's Updated Flood Maps for Oʻahu to Impact Thousands of Properties

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to implement updated flood maps for Oʻahu on June 10, which will result in nearly 4,000 properties being reclassified into designated flood zones. This change will affect thousands of homes, with some properties moving from non-flood zones to flood zones, while others will no longer be considered at risk. The updated maps will also place several commercial areas in Honolulu, such as Iwilei and Kapālama, into special flood hazard areas. Properties in these zones have a one percent annual chance of flooding, compared to a 0.2% chance for those outside the zones. Homeowners with federally backed mortgages in these areas will be required to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, with costs varying significantly based on location.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Oʻahu's New Flood Maps to Increase Insurance Needs for Homeowners

Oʻahu's New Flood Maps to Increase Insurance Needs for Homeowners

Hawaiʻi's insurance industry is facing strain as new flood maps for Oʻahu, set to be implemented on June 10, will increase the number of properties in high-risk flood zones by nearly 4,000. State Insurance Commissioner Scott Saiki highlights the importance of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in providing coverage for these properties. Homeowners with federally backed mortgages in these zones will be required to have flood insurance. The NFIP, which has a coverage limit of $250,000, plays a crucial role in insuring residents against natural disasters, but the new maps may necessitate alternative insurance solutions for some homeowners.
AP News AP News
Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets

Honolulu Traffic Cams Catch Speeders. But Most Don’t Get Tickets

Hawaiʻi's use of cameras to enforce speed limits in Honolulu is off to a slow start, with only 17 tickets issued in the first four months
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Hosts Workshop on Downtown Skyline Stations

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Hosts Workshop on Downtown Skyline Stations

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is holding a public workshop to discuss the upcoming plans for the Iwilei rail station as part of the Skyline rail system's expansion into Oʻahu’s urban core. The workshop aims to engage the community and provide updates on the project, which has faced challenges such as the elimination of escalators in some stations and unexpected construction findings. HART recently marked a milestone with the pouring of the first column at a key location, signaling progress in the project.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Kansas City Utilizes AI and Drones to Enhance Disaster Response Efficiency

Kansas City Utilizes AI and Drones to Enhance Disaster Response Efficiency

Kansas City, Missouri, has initiated a pilot program to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology into its disaster response efforts. The initiative aims to improve the speed and safety of damage assessments following natural disasters. The pilot, conducted on March 23, involved using drones to capture aerial images of affected areas, which were then processed using AI to assess damage. This approach is intended to accelerate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preliminary damage assessment process. The project is a collaboration between Kansas City's digital team and Bellwether, a group of technologists from Google's Moonshot Factory, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit. The pilot demonstrated significant time savings, with data processing completed in about 23 minutes, compared to traditional methods. The technology was found to be 96% accurate in assessing damage, offering a comprehensive view that surpasses street-level assessments.
Trendline Trendline
Physician Mortgages Offer Tailored Home Financing Solutions for Doctors

Physician Mortgages Offer Tailored Home Financing Solutions for Doctors

Physician Mortgages Offer Tailored Home Financing Solutions for Doctors
Trendline Trendline
PGA Tour Announces Schedule Shakeup, Hawaii Events Dropped

PGA Tour Announces Schedule Shakeup, Hawaii Events Dropped

PGA Tour Announces Schedule Shakeup, Hawaii Events Dropped
Trendline Trendline
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Expand Credit Assessments to Include Rent and Utility Payments

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Expand Credit Assessments to Include Rent and Utility Payments

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Expand Credit Assessments to Include Rent and Utility Payments
Rapid Read Rapid Read
FEMA Allocates $20 Million for Flood Mitigation in Southeast U.S.

FEMA Allocates $20 Million for Flood Mitigation in Southeast U.S.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is distributing nearly $20 million to support flood resiliency projects across the southeastern United States. South Carolina is set to receive $162,000 specifically for flood mitigation efforts in Hilton Head. This funding is part of a broader initiative by FEMA, which has allocated $250 million nationwide through its Flood Mitigation Assistance program and Swift Current. The funds in South Carolina will be used to elevate a Repetitive Loss property, which has experienced multiple flood-related losses. Other states in the southeast, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky, are also receiving significant funding for various flood mitigation projects.
AP News AP News
New study finds 'alarming' high flood risk for 17 million Americans on Atlantic and Gulf coasts

New study finds 'alarming' high flood risk for 17 million Americans on Atlantic and Gulf coasts

One of the most comprehensive studies ever of flood risk has determined that more than 17 million people in eight cities along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at the highest risk of being affected by flooding
Trendline Trendline
Rising Rent Prices in Major U.S. Cities Highlight Housing Affordability Challenges

Rising Rent Prices in Major U.S. Cities Highlight Housing Affordability Challenges

Rising Rent Prices in Major U.S. Cities Highlight Housing Affordability Challenges
Trendline Trendline
Homewise CEO Advocates Homeownership as Key to Financial Security

Homewise CEO Advocates Homeownership as Key to Financial Security

Homewise CEO Advocates Homeownership as Key to Financial Security