What are my risks?

• What are the chances of a hurricane destroying my home?
  
  
• Where have the most wind-related insurance claims been for Hawaii County?
  
  
• What are the potential costs of future hurricanes in Hawaii County?
  
  
• Where have strong winds been measured in Hawaii County?

What are the chances of a hurricane destroying my home?

No one knows. We can only go on past history. Almost no one expected a hurricane as powerful as Iniki would strike Hawaii. The best we can guess is hurricanes in the future will probably hit Hawaii as frequently as they have in the past. We know that since 1950 five hurricanes or tropical storms have caused serious damage in Hawaii. Hurricane Nina in 1957 produced record winds in Honolulu. Hurricane Dot did a lot of damage on Kauai in 1959. Hurricane Iwa did extensive damage on Kauai and Oahu in 1982. Hurricane Estelle produced very high surf on Hawaii and Maui and floods on Oahu in 1986. Hurricane Iniki did extensive damage on Kauai and Leeward Oahu in 1992. Since 1950, seven other tropical storms or hurricanes could have caused serious damage. These include Hurricane Fernanda in 1993, Hurricane Emilia in 1994, and Hurricane Daniel in August 2000.

Where have the most wind-related insurance claims been for Hawaii County?

The data for this map was compiled from various insurance firms' homeowner policy claims from 1989 to 1999. This is intended to serve only for a general hazard indicator map and is not meant as a policy document.

Source: Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund

What are the potential losses from future hurricanes in Hawaii County?

If a Category 1 storm as strong as Hurricane Iwa, with winds gusting at 74 mph, strikes any of the islands in the state, we can guess from past experience that about 12% of the houses and apartments could be destroyed or heavily damaged and about 18% would probably experience minor damages.

If a Category 3 storm strikes any island with the same force as Iniki, with winds raging at 130 mph, we can guess that about 38% of the homes will be heavily damaged or destroyed. An additional 40% will probably have minor damages.

The following information was extrapolated from Kauai Damage in 1982 and 1992. ($ billion in 1992)

Source: Hawaii Coastal Hazard Mitigation Planning Project, Office of Planning, December 1993

Where have strong winds been measured in Hawaii County?

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On the big island, northeast trade winds prevail most of the year and generally blow 10-20 mph. Exceptionally strong and gusty trade winds (40-60 mph) can, and do, occur.

High winds associated with Kona storms tend to approach from the south and southwest. Such storms have been recorded with hurricane strength speeds, such as in December 1996 along the Kohala Coast.

While the Big Island has not sustained a direct hit by a hurricane, several strong tropical storms have brought about considerable damage. Hurricane Estelle (July 1986) kicked up winds of 50 mph and demolished 5 homes along the southeast coast. Tropical Storm Dora also effected the big island in December 1993.

Tornadoes have been reported along the Kona Coast in February 1982 and January 1971, as well as along the Hilo and Puna coast in April 1986.