Residents Raise Concerns Over New FEMA Flood Maps

Homeowners question lack of notification and conflicting flood risk designations ahead of June 10 finalization.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A Honolulu resident is raising concerns about the city's new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, set to take effect on June 10. The resident claims that many affected homeowners were not properly notified about the changes in 2024, and that there are conflicting low- and high-flood risk designations being assigned to the same properties. The resident is requesting that the Mayor's Office allow appeals of the questionable flood designations before the maps are finalized, rather than after the June 10 date.

Why it matters

The new FEMA flood maps will have a major impact on homeowners' insurance premiums and property values in the affected areas. Residents are concerned that the lack of notification and conflicting designations could lead to unfair and costly consequences for homeowners.

The details

The resident, Ed Uchida, states that he only became aware of the flood map changes through a December 2025 postcard, rather than receiving a notification in 2024 like other affected homeowners were supposed to. Uchida also questions how the same property can be assigned both low- and high-flood risk designations, and why FEMA and city officials have been unwilling to conduct a requested onsite visit to assess the property. Uchida argues that homeowners should be able to appeal the flood designations before the maps are finalized on June 10, rather than having to wait until after that date.

  • The new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map will take effect on June 10, 2026.
  • Notices of the new flood maps were supposed to be mailed to affected homeowners in 2024, but many did not receive them.
  • Uchida only became aware of the flood map changes through a postcard in December 2025.

The players

Ed Uchida

A resident of Hawaii Kai who is raising concerns about the new FEMA flood maps and the lack of notification to affected homeowners.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for creating the new flood insurance rate maps.

City of Honolulu

Local officials who are working with FEMA on the implementation of the new flood maps.

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What they’re saying

“Why weren't all affected homeowners notified back in 2024; how can conflicting low- and high-flood risk designations be assigned to the same property; and why are FEMA and city officials unwilling to do a requested onsite visit?”

— Ed Uchida, Resident (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

The Mayor's Office must allow appeals of questionable flood designations now, before the flood maps go into effect on June 10, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of clear and timely communication from government agencies when implementing major changes that can significantly impact homeowners. The lack of notification and conflicting flood risk designations have left many residents feeling frustrated and concerned about the potential consequences.