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County of Kauai Natural Hazard Risk & Vulnerability Assessment and Mitigation Workbook Click here to Download Cover Picture County of Kauai Natural Hazard Risk & Vulnerability Assessment and Hazard Mitigation Workbook © December 2002. Prepared by the University of Hawaii Social Science Research Institute. This document has been prepared for the County of Kauai using resources developed by federal and state partners. These include:
We thank all of the individuals behind the organizations listed above and all of those who have contributed to the hazard mitigation planning efforts in Hawaii State. Click here to Download NOAA and CZM Hawaii logos This document is funded in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Hawaii State Coastal Zone Management Program. KAUAI COUNTY Table of Contents SECTION 1: Introduction (Up to TOC) The purpose of this document is to allow community groups and organizations to develop hazard mitigation plans on Kauai. It is based in part on a hazard mitigation planning process facilitated by Kauai Civil Defense in partnership with the Social Science Research Institute of the University of Hawaii with support from FEMA, State Civil Defense and the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program. It provides an introduction to hazard mitigation planning, identifies sources of hazard mitigation information and guidance documents and outlines the steps in the hazard mitigation planning process. Natural Hazards in Kauai County (Up to TOC) The County of Kauai includes the islands of Kauai and Niihau. Kauai is geologically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Three hurricanes have severely impacted Kauai over the past 40 years. Hurricane Iniki, for example, had gusts up to 160 miles per hour, destroyed 1,421 houses, and damaged over 13,000 homes in 1992. Other natural hazards also threaten Kauai. In September of 1996, heavy rains led to flooding of Hanalei town and temporary closure of the Hanalei Bridge, the only way residents can access the rest of the island. Heavy rains frequently close bridges and landslides on the highway past Anahola are common. Kauai has had twenty-six tsunamis of three feet or more in height since 1819 with wave heights of up to 35 feet (Summary maps showing the history of hazards, including heavy winds, tsunami, high waves, and flooding, have been included in the Appendix for reference.) The best way to deal with natural hazards is to recognize that they occur and to take action that will minimize the impacts. The term that agencies commonly use to describe the measures taken to reduce the effects of natural hazards is "hazard mitigation." This workbook explains the planning process to mitigate hazards, using risk and vulnerability assessments. Hazard Mitigation: Why is it important? (Up to TOC) Each year, natural hazards worldwide result in loss of life and economic impacts totaling billions of dollars. Hurricane Iniki left Kauai with an estimated $1.8 billion in economic losses, which does not account for all of the personal hardship suffered by families who lost jobs and belongings. The dollar estimate also does not include the losses to the economy and lost income for residents, which lasted over a decade. Many times appropriate mitigation actions taken before a hazard event
occurs can reduce the immediate impacts and prevent long recovery periods.
Mitigation can cost money, but FEMA officials have estimated that for
every dollar spent on mitigation, at least seven dollars have been saved
in response and recovery costs following a disaster. Besides the federal requirements for funding, mitigation makes good common sense. For example, regularly scheduled clean-ups of streams and areas near streams prevent stream pollution, debris and runoff in nearshore waters. It can also prevent flooding along the stream during heavy rainfall. Maintenance of the water pipes by the county water departments reduces leaks and the cost of water for public and private use. It also helps to conserve water in the event of a drought. Preparedness, Response, and Mitigation Activities (Up to TOC) Often, there is confusion about the difference between disaster preparedness or response planning and mitigation. Both are important and constitute different phases of the disaster cycle. Response planning occurs during the preparedness phase of the disaster cycle, but the activities usually occur after the impact of a natural hazard. Mitigation should also be undertaken prior to a disaster occurrence. The focus of mitigation is to reduce the impact of a hazard event on life, property, and the economy. Mitigation activities may enhance and preserve natural resource systems, and these benefits may be felt without the occurrence of a disaster. Table 1. Comparison of Example Activities for Response and Mitigation
Conducting Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (Up to TOC) The first steps in hazard mitigation planning are hazard to identify the hazards that affect a community, to assess the risk of disaster losses and evaluate the social, economic, and environmental vulnerability of a community. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center have developed guidance documents for communities on how to conduct risk and vulnerability assessments. This workbook does not attempt to replicate these materials but to provide excerpts and information on how to obtain these resources. These guidance documents themselves are available for free either by ordering the documents from the agencies or downloading from the websites provided. 1) Understanding Your Risks - identifying hazards and estimating losses (FEMA 386-2) provides step-by-step guidance on how to do a risk assessment. http://www.fema.gov/fima/planning_toc3.shtm Through a series of general and hazard specific guidance and worksheets, this guide can help states and communities to determine - 1) which natural hazards affect their jurisdiction; 2) what geographical areas are vulnerable to the hazards; 3) what structures and infrastructure will be affected; and 4) to what degree they will be affected, as measured through dollar losses. The document is multi-hazard in scope. Flood, earthquake, tsunami, tornado, coastal storm, landslide and wildfire are addressed. For communities dealing with multiple hazards, guidance is provided on how to develop a composite loss estimate. Once the risk assessment is completed, states and communities will have the information necessary to develop a strategy and plan for reducing their losses. This publication is available from the FEMA Publication Warehouse (1-800-480-2520).
Request by FEMA No. 386-2. It can also be downloaded as Adobe Acrobat
Reader files (.pdf files) directly from the website. The North Carolina Vulnerability Assessment Tool is an informational aid designed to assist communities in their efforts to reduce hazard vulnerability. The CD-ROM contains a methodology, developed by the NOAA Coastal Services Center, that helps local and state governments determine and prioritize their localities' vulnerability to coastal hazards. The website contains an order form for the CD-ROM and all of the information from the CD has been posted on their website so that communities have access to this information through the internet. Overview of Kauai Assessment Methods (Up to TOC) To conduct the risk and vulnerability assessment for Kauai, the project team used a combination of methods drawn from the guidance documents discussed above and modified for Kauai. The methods can use a range depending on the technical expertise, capability, and resources available to the community or government undertaking the assessment. STEP 1: Ask Questions and Assess Risks. (Up to TOC) The following set of questions will help the community to evaluate their
situation and determine their needs for hazard mitigation planning. Do you know...
These questions will help to guide a community or organization through a hazard assessment process. One of the most useful tools in developing a risk and vulnerability assessment
is a geographic information systems (GIS) and maps produced from it. It
is easier to point to areas on a map than refer to a list, and it is easier
for people to see where their homes and businesses are located in relation
to a particular hazard. Furthermore, maps improve communication about
hazard risks between communities or organizations and disaster planners,
engineers, and emergency response personnel. Not every community has access
to GIS, but it is still possible to gather paper maps of local areas and
identify risks by hand. Step 2: Conduct a Hazard Analysis Click here to download image of Kauai Hazard Analysis Information should be gathered for all of the potential hazard risks. The analysis should include historical information; however, it is important to remember that even though no one can remember a particular hazard, it does not mean that the area is not vulnerable in the future. For example, earthquakes are not common in Hawaii, but Hawaii State is in a high-risk zone for seismic activity. The more that the data includes spatial and visual information, such as maps, photos, and video, the easier it will be to convey risks to decision-makers and communities. STEP 3: Identify Assets Identify facilities, property, infrastructure, habitat and other things of value for the community. These will be the things that it is most important to protect. The list will fall into categories of critical facilities, building stock, public infrastructure, economically important areas or facilities, environmentally important areas, and socially important areas. Community members identified the following list of assets during several meetings held as part of Kauai's Project Impact and as part of the hazard mitigation planning process conducted by the Hawaii State Hazard Mitigation Forum. 1. Emergency Services Infrastructure STEP 5: Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability is the susceptibility of resources to negative impacts from hazard events. It is these negative impacts that concern most people. While the study of hazards, risks, and probabilities is an important component of vulnerability, alone it does not provide resource managers with the information necessary to prioritize mitigation alternatives or measure improvements in mitigation. In order to make efficient use of your mitigation resources, it is not enough to know if, when, or even where a hazard event will strike. You need to know where your vulnerabilities are so you can make the most of your pre-disaster planning efforts. (NOAA Coastal Services Center, 1999, Community Vulnerability Assessment Tool, http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/nchaz/htm/tut.htm). Determine past losses by sector using the following sources of data:
Determine the value of assets and potential losses using the following sources of data:
Prepare assessments to look at the vulnerability in each area, and then consider overall vulnerability to multiple hazards. The return period, frequency, and severity of the natural hazard should be considered. The following diagrams (taken from the NOAA/CSC Community Vulnerability
Assessment Tool illustrate the vulnerability assessment phases of the
project. Critical Facilities Analysis Click here to download image of Critical Facilities Analysis The following diagram shows identification of critical facilities in Hanapepe from a flood developed as part of Kauai Project Impact. Click here to download image Societal Analysis Click here to download image of Societal Analysis The following picture shows the map for the social analysis developed
as part of Kauai Project Impact: Click here to download image Economic Analysis Click here to download image of Economic Analysis The following picture shows the map for the economic analysis developed
as part of Kauai Project Impact: Click here to download image Environmental Analysis Click here to download image of Environmental Analysis The following picture shows the map for the environmental analysis developed as part of Kauai Project Impact: Click here to download image Mitigation Opportunities Analysis Click here to download image of Mitigation Opportunities Analysis Develop a Hazard Mitigation Strategy (Up to TOC) The opportunities analysis can then be used to help develop the hazard mitigation strategy. The strategy should detail the hazard risks and vulnerabilities and describe a strategy for addressing potential hazards. It should identify gaps in data, planning, and policies that should be considered over time. A strategy to address these gaps should be included. The hazard mitigation strategy will be a living document that will change over time as new studies are conducted and as technology improves. The strategy should be continuously updated so that it will meet the needs of the community should they confront a natural hazard. The following outline describes the elements that should be included in the hazard mitigation strategy, and it can be referenced during the writing of the strategy: A. Hazard Mitigation Goals C. Mitigation Projects D. Implementation of Mitigation Measures Plan Maintenance Procedures A. Monitoring, Evaluating,
and Updating the Plan Note: The GIS work should provide a basis for the hazard, risk and vulnerability
assessments that should improve the data and information used for the
mitigation strategy. The mitigation strategy should contain proposals
for projects and will be considerably longer than implied by the detail
in the outline. SECTION 2: Natural Hazard History and Hazard Mitigation in Kauai (Up to TOC) HURRICANES (Up to TOC) What Is a Hurricane? Hurricanes, tropical storms, and typhoons are collectively
known as tropical cyclones. They are among the most devastating, naturally
occurring hazards in the United States and its territories. Tropical cyclones
are classified as follows: Hurricane - An intense tropical
weather system with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds
of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are
called "typhoons." Similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called
"cyclones." Tropical Storm - An organized
system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots). Tropical Depression - An organized
system of clouds and thunderstorms with defined circulation and maximum
sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less; Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
What causes most of the hurricane-related damage? Storm surge, rain, and wind cause most of the damage associated with hurricanes. · Storm surge floods and erodes coastal areas, salinizes land and groundwater, contaminates the water supply, causes agricultural losses, results in loss of life, and damages structures and infrastructure. Rain damages structures, infrastructure, and agriculture and results in loss of life. Hawaii's topography focuses the rains on mountain slopes, causing flash flood and landslides. Strong winds can result in loss of life, create tremendous amounts of debris (which impact utilities and transportation), cause agricultural losses, and destroy lightly constructed buildings (e.g., tofu-block houses). What are the chances of a hurricane destroying my home? No one knows. We can only make judgments using past history. Almost no one expected that 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. What are the potential losses from future hurricanes on Kauai? 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 on Kauai? Kauai has experienced exceptionally strong trade wind events, winter Kona storms, and passing tropical storms and hurricanes. Occasionally, trade winds strengthen to between 25-40 mph for several days. Strong winds associated with winter Kona storms can reach great velocities. Passing tropical storms and hurricanes and have been reported at over 100 mph. Often, winds accelerate as they descend from the mountains to the coastal plain. In many instances, the highest recorded gusts associated with passing storms have occurred on the side of the island opposite the storm's approach as winds burst in downdrafts across ridge crests from the steep pali to the coast below. On Kauai, numerous high wind events have affected the entire island, and many were associated with passing storms. Hurricanes Dot (1959), Iwa (1982), and Iniki (1992) were exceptionally damaging. Hurricane Dot packed sustained winds of 75 mph with gusts of 165 mph as it passed directly over Kauai. Winds and flooding led to $5.5-6 million in agricultural losses and hundreds of houses and trees were damaged. Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki both produced high waves ranging 20-30 feet and winds over 125 mph. Although Hurricane Iwa passed to the northwest of Kauai, the high surf it produced, combined with a 5-6 foot storm surge, flooded 600 feet inland in areas between Kekaha and Poipu and caused $312 million in damage. Ironically, despite the massive flooding and wind damage to the Poipu area, redevelopment following Iwa occurred in precisely the same location, only to be devastated 10 years later by Hurricane Iniki. Today, these same areas are once again densely developed. On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki, the strongest and
most destructive hurricane to hit the Hawaiian Islands, made landfall
just west of Port Allen on Kauai's south shore. Iniki's winds were sustained
at 130 mph and gusts topped 160 mph. Winds and waves destroyed 1,421 houses
and caused minor to heavy damage to some 13,000.
Mitigation Activities at Home Homes can be destroyed by high winds. Flying debris can break windows
and doors, allowing high winds and rain into your house. High winds can
also cause weak places in your home to fail. Strengthen these areas in
your house: roofs, exterior doors, windows, and garage doors. Other mitigation
activities include clearing debris from the area and building a safe room
in your home. Roof: Exterior Doors: Windows: Garage Doors: Clear Debris: Safe Rooms: What can I do at work? It is estimated that 43% of businesses never reopen following a local disaster, such as a hurricane. Therefore, it is important business owners take proactive steps to protect their business, because they are a vital part of the community. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggest that small business owners develop a Disaster Plan that includes mitigation activities. These activities are divided into the following categories:
Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)
Operations
Critical Information and Communication
Insurance
FLOODS (Up to TOC) What are floods and flashfloods? The distinction between a flood and "flash-flood" is usually determined by the amount of warning (less than six hours for a flash-flood) that affected areas might receive prior to the flood conditions. Flash floods may trigger hazardous events such as mud and landslides, structural bridge failures, and other threatening conditions. Rainfall intensity and duration are the primary source of flash floods. Intensity is the rate of rainfall, and duration is how long the rain lasts. Other factors include topography, soil conditions, and ground cover. Floods are a long-term event and may last several days, or even weeks. Hurricanes and earthquakes directly cause flood conditions such as "storm surge" or tsunami respectively. There are also floods that have characteristics associated with the geographic areas they are in, such as river, coastal and urban flooding. River Floods in Hawaii are usually triggered by hurricane or tropical storm rains. Coastal Floods are caused by winds generated from tropical storms and hurricanes or intense offshore low-pressure systems that can drive ocean water inland and cause significant flooding. Urban Floods are triggered because the paved streets cannot absorb the rainfall. Therefore, the streets become a river and people can lose their property and sometimes their lives. What is the difference between "watch," "warning," and "advisory?" The National Weather Services uses specific words when they issue alerts to the public about dangerous flood-related conditions. Flash flood watch: A flash flood is possible in the area. Stay alert. Flash flood warning: A flash flood is imminent or occurring; take immediate action. Urban and small stream advisory: Flooding of small streams, streets, urban storm drains, and low-lying areas. The Flood Risk in Kauai According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, floods from tsunamis, hurricanes, and rainstorms caused more than 350 deaths, and over $82 million in property damage, from about 1860 until 1962. Damage from floods from 1963 through 1982 total about $395 million. From January 1983 to July 1992, twelve deaths have been attributed to flooding. The 1987 New Year's Flood caused an estimated $35 million in damage. Floods in March 1991 resulted in damage estimated at $10-$15 million. In December 1991, floods damaged an estimated $7 million in property. The National Flood Insurance Program has paid a total of $51.7 million in claims since 1974 to Hawaii's policyholders, $35.6 million of which were related to Hurricane Iniki. Though small compared to the $1.6 billion in insurance claims paid by the private industry following Iniki, the number and total value of flood insurance policies has more than doubled since 1994. Information on the National Flood Insurance Program appears below. In the appendix, there are tables with flood terminology and discussion of the community rating system. National Flood Insurance Program The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federally-backed flood insurance to property owners in communities that regulate development in floodplains. The United States' Congress established NFIP to "reduce the loss of life and property and rising cost of disaster due to flooding." The National Flood Insurance Program is a voluntary program based on agreements between federal and local governments. In order to participate, a community must adopt and enforce certain minimum building and land use standards designed to reduce property damage from flooding. These regulations, among other things, require new or substantially remodeled structures within special flood hazard areas to be engineered and/or elevated in order to withstand anticipated flood conditions. They also require communities to prohibit development in floodways-areas that allow flood waters to discharge from special flood hazard areas. NFIP also shifts the cost of flood damage from taxpayers, who ultimately pay for disaster relief, to property owners through flood insurance premiums. The risk of flood damage to the structure's lowest floor from a "100 year flood" provides the basis for National Flood Insurance Program premiums. Flood Insurance Rate Maps-also based on the "100-year" flood line-delineate special hazard areas and applicable risk premium zones (Appendix One). These Federal Emergency Management Agency generated maps serve as primary reference documents for the National Flood Insurance Program and other flood-related policies and programs at all levels of government. New National Flood Insurance Program Regulations and Requirements for Participation The Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act was signed into law in 1994. This Act amended the enabling National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) legislation in order to reduce federal spending on flood losses and to improve the financial status of NFIP. To this end, it directs federal loan agencies and federally regulated or insured lending institutions to "require flood insurance when making, increasing, extending, or renewing loans and to maintain the coverage for the life of the loan" for all homes in special flood hazard areas. The Act also authorizes: (1) mitigation assistance grants for states and communities to protect homes and businesses; and (2) mitigation insurance for rebuilding to meet improved design and construction standards. In 1994, new National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations were also promulgated to require all property owners (including those in high-rise condominiums) in "special flood hazard areas" - as determined by the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map-to insure their properties against flood damage equal to 80% of replacement value. Changes in NFIP regulations since 1994 have required additional homeowners in Hawaii to buy flood insurance. As a result, the number of Hawaii's NFIP policies more than doubled over an eighteen month period. In December 1994, there were 22,140 flood insurance policies statewide. By July 1996, the number of policies had increased to 47,801 (Table 1), giving Hawaii the largest per capita participation in the NFIP in the United States, and third highest number of policies overall. Over the same period, the value of NFIP policies in Hawaii increased from over $2.5 billion to over $5.7 billion. Table 1: Flood Insurance Trends in Kauai, 1993 to 1996
Although the number of policies increased dramatically, the face value of the average National Flood Insurance Program policy remained about the same and the average premium has declined. The mean value of flood policies in Hawaii increased from $120,897 in December 1994 to $121,332 in July 1996. Over the same period, the average cost of premiums decreased from $443 in 1994, $272 in 1995, and to $264 in 1996. The reductions in the average premiums probably reflect the large number of people outside the special flood hazard area who have purchased policies, as well as the increase in the number of condominium policies. The decrease in the average premium provides little solace to homeowners paying more for their property insurance. Most single-family dwelling owners in the special flood hazard area who had flood insurance in 1994 are probably paying about the same premium in 1996. However, more property owners are now required to buy flood insurance. The average condominium policy may be less expensive than a flood insurance policy for a single-family dwelling. However, the requirement that the value of "commercial" policies for condos in the special flood hazard area be equivalent to 80% of the replacement value has caused huge increases in costs for condominium associations. For example, flood insurance costs for one large condo in Honolulu increased from about $9,000 in 1994 to over $39,000 in 1995. This increase was passed directly on to individual homeowners through their maintenance fees. Flood Mitigation Activities on Kauai
EROSION (Up to TOC) Beach erosion and coastal erosion are not the same, but they are related. Beach erosion is a reduction in the amount of sand a particular beach has. On a global level, sea level rise causes beach erosion. But beaches also erode (and expand) on a seasonal basis. Beaches get sand from both the ocean and the land. Larger waves move sand from the coastal sand dunes off into the ocean. This raises the seafloor, flattens the overall profile of the beach, and, therefore, causes waves to break further offshore. This, in turn, minimizes the waves' impact on coastal lands. Beaches recover from these seasonal shifts when the waves move the sand back onto the beach and the winds blow the deposited sand into dunes. These dunes will store the land-based sand until the next large wave event. Coastal erosion occurs when the beach migrates toward the land in order to compensate for beach erosion as it tries to maintain a constant supply of sand (see the right side of the photo). If sand is not available to a beach, such as when a wall is built to protect the land, the land is stabilized, however beach erosion will occur (see left side of photo). Installing a seawall or revetment (i.e., hardening a shoreline) interferes with the natural cycle of beach erosion. Rather than pulling sand from a landward supply in order to promote waves breaking further off-shore during the seasonal high wave period, the seawall or revetment prevents this natural phenomena from occurring. Thus, the land itself begins to erode. Therefore, it is tragically ironic seawalls or revetments have been installed to prevent coastal erosion, but their very presence exacerbates the very problem they were supposed to resolve. Erosion is caused by:
What are my risks? On Kauai, short sections of populated coast have undergone extensive hardening and chronic erosion. As much as 1 to 2 miles of beach degradation has occurred there. Beach loss affects Hawaii residents by seriously impacting the visitor economy. In 1997, tourism accounted for 171,900 jobs in the state, $13 billion in tourism expenditures and supported a payroll of $3.5 billion. Beach loss and shoreline hardening restricts public access to ocean recreation areas and natural resources. It causes environmental and ecological damage to natural resources and habitats. Coastal hardening can also produce coastal water quality problems through increased turbulence and turbidity. SOURCE: SOEST, Coastal Erosion Management Plan. 1998.
The full document can be reviewed at your regional public library. Coastal Erosion Mitigation Options for Agencies Revise the Shoreline Setbacks The intent of shoreline setbacks is to establish a coastal-hazard buffer zone to protect beach-front development from coastal erosion. Adequate setbacks allow the natural erosion and accretion cycles to occur and help maintain lateral beach access. Furthermore, setbacks provide open space for the enjoyment of the natural shoreline environment. A 40-foot shoreline setback has been often inadequate because they are not determined by historical site-specific rates of coastal erosion. Coastal-erosion hazard maps could be used to establish rate-based building setbacks. Setbacks would be site-specific in order to reflect the nature of coastal erosion. These setbacks would also incorporate the proposed style of development. Construction-style considerations would include the size and expected lifetime of the planned structure. Larger, immovable buildings and those with lifetimes of more than 50 years would have deeper setbacks than small, movable structures. Conduct Beach nourishment This is a technique used to restore an eroding or lost beach or to create a new sandy shoreline, involves the placement of sand fill with or without supporting structures along the shoreline to widen the beach. It is the only management tool that serves the dual purpose of protecting coastal lands and preserving beach resources. Beach nourishment requires large volumes of beach-quality sand. The initial nourishment project typically requires thousands of cubic meters of sand per kilometer of shoreline, and most beaches need periodic re-nourishment. Preserve Sand Dunes Sand dunes trap windblown sand, store excess beach sand, and serve as natural erosion buffers. Therefore, preserving and restoring sand dunes would protect beachfront property and coastal infrastructure during storms and high-wave events. Healthy dunes are vegetated by salt-tolerant species with a dense root system, making them effective wind-breaks and wave buffers. Utilize Inter-agency communication Better cooperation between State Parks and the Counties' Parks and Recreation should be sought since these departments maintain many of our beach parks. In addition, discussions should be enhanced with the State Department of Transportation (DOT), because some highway facilities are threatened or will soon be threatened by coastal erosion. In most cases, state highway facilities are the major or only thoroughfare between regions. Proactive planning of new highway construction, widening, and realignment could reduce the threat of coastal erosion and beach loss by anticipating future shoreline trends. Increase Public Awareness Coastal erosion is largely promulgated by the activities of humankind. Increasing public awareness of the importance of seasonal beach erosion, and how their activities can exacerbate coastal erosion, becomes extremely important. Promote Research Projects Projects that focus on coastal processes can lead to improved erosion management. Further research, along with beach monitoring, is necessary to increase our understanding of coastal and marine science and to insure effective and efficient management of the coastal zone. Conduct Land Banking Acquiring and holding land threatened from coastal erosion for a future use may be in the best public interest. This funding mechanism, falling outside of the normal process of budget appropriations, provides a way to regularly set aside funds for land acquisitions in both good and bad economic times. Coastal Erosion Mitigation Activities on Kauai The following is a list of agencies and programs in Hawaii that are taking
steps to mitigate coastal erosion.
Coastal Erosion Mitigation at Home Support Shoreline Setbacks The intent of shoreline setbacks is to establish a coastal-hazard buffer zone to protect beach-front development from coastal erosion. Adequate setbacks allow the natural erosion and accretion cycles to occur and help maintain lateral beach access. Furthermore, setbacks provide open space for the enjoyment of the natural shoreline environment. A 40-foot shoreline setback has been often inadequate because they are
not determined by historical site-specific rates of coastal erosion. Coastal-erosion
hazard maps could be used to establish rate-based building setbacks. Setbacks
would be site-specific in order to reflect the nature of coastal erosion.
These setbacks would also incorporate the proposed style of development.
Construction-style considerations would include the size and expected
lifetime of the planned structure. Larger, immovable buildings and those
with lifetimes of more than 50 years would have deeper setbacks than small,
movable structures. Encourage Beach Nourishment Beach nourishment is a technique used to restore an eroding or lost beach or to create a new sandy shoreline It involves the placement of sand fill with or without supporting structures along the shoreline to widen the beach. It is the only management tool that serves the dual purpose of protecting coastal lands and preserving beach resources. Some homeowners associations on Maui have implemented small-scale, privately-funded
successful beach nourishment projects. Homeowners interested in learning
more about beach nourishment should contact the State Department of Land
and Natural Resource, Coastal Lands Program at (808) 587-0446. Develop and Install Best Management Practices When coastal erosion threatens property, coastal landowners are usually unaware of the different types of coastal protection measures that are available and the applicable environmental concerns and permitting requirements. Conventional coastal protection structures (i.e., seawalls and revetments) cause beach narrowing and loss. Instead (for example) the use of sand bags and large sand-filled geotextile tubes ("sea bags") will temporarily control coastal erosion. Another example may be concave or "V" shaped structural hardening designs that may retain sand better than linear structures. In addition, developers and landowners should consult with various experts and governmental agencies, such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Coastal Lands Program at (808) 585-0446. These agencies are familiar with coastal erosion in order to get appropriate recommendations on project design. Comply with Building Codes and Land Use Regulations During the planning phase, the applicant should incorporate the advice of the County Planning Department (808) 241-6677, comply with building codes and land use regulations to decrease the risk of coastal hazards. Developers and landowners should also acknowledge developments along the shoreline are subject to the risk of coastal erosion and any request to protect structures and property with shoreline armoring is currently discretionary. What can I do at work? Controlling beach erosion will help protect waterfront property, preserve species which live on the coastline and prevent a loss of tourism. While natural factors and rising sea levels account for some of the loss, human factors -- such as developing too close to the coastline and building sea walls -- play a significant part. It is estimates that 43% of businesses never reopen following a local
disaster, such as a coastal erosion. It is important that business owners
take proactive steps to protect their business, because they are a vital
part of the community. Mitigation activities for business owners are similar
to the activities for homeowners. Support Shoreline Setbacks. The intent of shoreline setbacks is to establish a coastal-hazard buffer zone to protect beach-front development from coastal erosion. Adequate setbacks allow the natural erosion and accretion cycles to occur and help maintain lateral beach access. Furthermore, setbacks provide open space for the enjoyment of the natural shoreline environment. A 40-foot shoreline setback has been often inadequate because they are
not determined by historical site-specific rates of coastal erosion. Coastal-erosion
hazard maps could be used to establish rate-based building setbacks. Setbacks
would be site-specific in order to reflect the nature of coastal erosion.
These setbacks would also incorporate the proposed style of development.
Construction-style considerations would include the size and expected
lifetime of the planned structure. Larger, immovable buildings and those
with lifetimes of more than 50 years would have deeper setbacks than small,
movable structures. To support increasing shoreline setbacks on Kauai contact the Planning
Department at 241-6677. Encourage Beach Nourishment. Beach nourishment is a technique used to restore an eroding or lost beach or to create a new sandy shoreline It involves the placement of sand fill with or without supporting structures along the shoreline to widen the beach. It is the only management tool that serves the dual purpose of protecting coastal lands and preserving beach resources. Some homeowners associations on Maui have implemented small-scale, privately-funded successful beach nourishment projects. Business owners interested in learning more about beach nourishment should contact the State Department of Land and Natural Resource, Coastal Lands Program at (808) 587-0446. Develop and Install Best Management Practices. When coastal erosion threatens property, coastal landowners are usually unaware of the different types of coastal protection measures that are available and the applicable environmental concerns and permitting requirements. Conventional coastal protection structures (i.e., seawalls and revetments) cause beach narrowing and loss. Instead (for example) the use of sand bags and large sand-filled geotextile tubes ("sea bags") will temporarily control coastal erosion. Another example may be concave or "V" shaped structural hardening designs that may retain sand better than linear structures. In addition, developers and landowners should consult with various experts and governmental agencies, such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Coastal Lands Program at (808) 585-0446. These agencies are familiar with coastal erosion in order to get appropriate recommendations on project design. Comply with Building Codes and Land Use Regulations. During the planning phase, the applicant should incorporate the advice of the County Planning Department (808) 241-6677, comply with building codes and land use regulations to decrease the risk of coastal hazards. Developers and landowners should also acknowledge developments along the shoreline are subject to the risk of coastal erosion and any request to protect structures and property with shoreline armoring is currently discretionary. LANDSLIDES (Up to TOC) What causes a landslide? A "landslide" happens when gravity forces land downward, often due to too much or lack of precipitation, runoff, or ground saturation. The wetting and drying of the uppermost ground material results in alternate expansion and contraction with gravity pulling the contracting Earth downward. The term includes mudslides, debris flow, debris avalanches, rock falls, and rock slides. Landslides usually occur with another natural hazard, such as an earthquake or flooding. What are a landslide's effects? Public and private economic losses from landslides include replacing and repairing damaged facilities, loss of productivity, disruption of utility and transportation systems, and reduction in property values. A severe landslide can cause great financial hardship to a property owner because many do not obtain earthquake insurance. SOURCE: State of California Department of Conservation, Sacramento, CA and National Landslide Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO What areas are prone to landslides? Areas generally more prone to landslides are those located at:
SOURCE: State of California Department of Conservation,
Sacramento, CA and National Landslide Information Center, U.S. Geological
Survey, Denver, CO
Become familiar with the land around you. Learn whether debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local officials, State geological surveys or departments of natural resources, and university departments of geology. Slopes where debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to experience them in the future. Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and note especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows or progressively tilting trees. Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and note especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows or progressively tilting trees. Purchase earthquake insurance. Homeowner's insurance does NOT cover losses due to landslide. Conduct a detailed site analysis. Private consulting companies may be hired to produce a landslide vulnerability map for your home, as well as to recommend mitigative practices. Install and maintain structures. Proper engineering, site selection, installation, and maintenance of structures (e.g., gabions) to improve drainage conditions and increase slope stability can assist in mitigating the effects of a landslide. Remember: If you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages. Plant ground cover on slopes. The roots of plants can help secure dirt to the slope. Support your local government in efforts to develop and enforce land-use and building ordinances that regulate construction in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows. Buildings should be located away from steep slopes, streams and rivers, intermittent-stream channels, and the mouths of mountain channels. What can I do at work? Although the physical cause of many landslides cannot be removed, geologic investigations, good engineering practices, and effective enforcement of land-use management regulations can reduce landslide hazards. USGS scientists continue to produce landslide susceptibility maps for many areas in the United States. USGS and DLNR hydrologists with expertise in debris and mud flows are studying landslide hazard.
TSUNAMIS (Up to TOC) What are Tsunamis? Tsunamis are NOT surfing waves!!! Never
attempt to surf or ride a tsunami! Although a deadly tsunami wave
may have the same height as a surfing wave, its characteristic is turbulent,
unpredictable, powerful, rubble filled, and deadly. A tsunami is series
of waves powerful enough to move house-sized boulders weighing many tons.
A tsunami is a series of great waves most commonly caused by violent
movement of the sea floor - usually an earthquake. Tsunamis are also caused
by nearshore or underwater landslides, or volcanic eruptions. This differs
from regular ocean waves that are generated from the wind. Tsunamis are
characterized by great speed (up to 590 mph), long wave length (up to
120 miles), long period between successive crests (varying from 5 minutes
to a few hours, generally 10 to 60 minutes), and low height in the open
sea. Often the first wave of a tsunami may not be the largest. The danger
from a tsunami can last for several hours after the arrival of the first
wave. Sometimes a tsunami causes the water near the shore to recede, exposing
the ocean floor. Tsunami can be very large. In coastal areas their height
can be as great as 30 feet or more (100 feet in extreme cases), and they
can move inland several hundred feet. Tsunami can travel up rivers and
streams that lead to the ocean. Kauai has had a tsunami?! A tsunami's effect at the shoreline can be considerably different within very short distances. The only general rule is that runup heights tend to be greatest near where the offshore bathymetry is steeper. Along gentle-sloping coasts, wave energy is dissipated upon shoaling. Even so, inundation can be significant and is usually greatest along low-lying coastal plains. An important historical example that demonstrates the variability of tsunami impact at the shoreline occurred during the 1965 tsunami on the north shore of Kauai. Despite the same north-facing exposure at Haena and Hanalei, a runup height of 35 feet was recorded at Haena, while only a few miles away in Hanalei Bay, runup was a mere 3 feet. In some cases, the runup height has been nearly equal on opposite sides of the island, suggesting that shoreline orientation (i.e. facing the tsunami source) is not always an important control. For example, during the 1960 tsunami, generated by an earthquake in Chile far to the southeast, a runup of 13 feet was recorded at Haena, only 1 foot lower than the maximum of 14 feet for the entire island reported at Hanapepe. Despite these variations, each side of Kauai has observed tsunami runups of over 10 feet with significant damaging effects. Written history records a tsunami damaging Kauai once every 16.5 years. However, the last of these tsunamis occurred in 1965, so looking at the time period between 1933 and 1965, the average recurrence interval was ~4.5 years. In light of the long-term frequency with which tsunamis have adversely impacted Kauai (i.e., every 16.5 years), one might conclude a damaging tsunami is overdue. Tsunami Mitigation Activities in Kauai County
Mitigation Activities At Home To mitigate any rapid onset natural disaster, it is critical to accurately assess the nature of the hazard, design an alerting technique, and prepare the at-risk area for appropriate reaction to reduce the impact of the hazard. These three components must be highly interactive and well coordinated to mitigate the effects of a tsunami. Thus, a coordinating body of appropriate scientists, emergency managers, emergency planners, and warning center operators, with representations from each affected state, should be created to ensure this coordination. The best mitigation activities a homeowner can do is to support the development of inundation maps, the installation of deep-water tsunami warning buoys, the placement of tsunami hazard signage and sirens, and the implementation of coastal setbacks and regulatory programs. What can I do at work? It is estimated that 43% of businesses never reopen following a local disaster, such as a tsunami. Therefore, it is important business owners take proactive steps to protect their business, because they are a vital part of the community. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggest that small business owners develop a Disaster Plan that includes mitigation activities. These activities are divided into the following categories:
Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)
Operations
Critical Information and Communication
Insurance
EARTHQUAKES (Up to TOC) What Causes an Earthquake? Unlike many other areas where a shift in tectonic plates is the sole cause of an earthquake, 95% of earthquakes in Hawaii are linked to volcanic activity. These earthquakes can occur before or during eruptions, or as molten rock travels underground. How is an earthquake measured? Earthquakes are generally measured in terms of magnitude and intensity. The Richter Scale measures magnitude. An earthquake of 5.0 is a moderate event, 6.0 is a strong event, 7.0 is a major earthquake, and a "great quake" exceeds 8.0. For each whole number increase there is a 10-fold jump in seismic wave amplitude (or, a 30-fold gain in energy released). For example, a 6.0 earthquake generates 30 times more energy than a 5.0 quake and 900 times (30*30) greater than a 4.0 earthquake. In the United States, the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI) measures intensity - the effects of an earthquake felt by people. MMI ranges from I (faintly registered by instruments) to XII (nearly total destruction). Ratings decrease with increasing distance away from an earthquake's source. Seismic Hazard Zones In Hawaii It is difficult to assign earthquake hazard zones to Hawaii because ground-shaking during an earthquake varies within a small area, depending on the nature of the underlying ground (e.g., lava bedrock or soil). Local topography also affects earthquake hazards. Steep slopes composed of loose material may produce large landslides during an earthquake. The type of construction also affects the risks of damages to a property. For these reasons, earthquake hazards are highly localized and difficult to assign regional earthquake boundaries that share the same relative degree of hazard. What are my risks? Seismic Hazard Zones in Kauai County Kauai's Uniform Building Code seismic risk zone ranked currently as a 4. The UBC contain six seismic zones, ranging from 0 (no chance of severe ground shaking) to 4 (10% chance of severe shaking in a 50-year interval). According to the U.S. Geological Society, one problem in assigning seismic hazard zones to the island is that the ground shaking during a strong earthquake may vary within a small area. This variation is due to the nature of the underlying ground; for example, whether it is mainly lava bedrock or soil. Two homes in the same neighborhood may suffer different degrees of damage depending on the properties of the ground upon which they are built. In addition, local topography strongly affects earthquake hazards. Steep slopes composed of loose material may produce large landslides during an earthquake. The risk from living in a seismically active area, unlike that of living
in an area prone to being covered by lava, also depends to a large degree
on the type of construction used in a given home. Earthquake shaking may
damage certain types of houses, while leaving other types of construction
unscathed. For all of these reasons, earthquake hazards are highly localized,
and it is difficult to define broad zones with the same relative degree
of hazard. Each year thousands of earthquakes occur in Hawaii, with the majority of them too small to be felt except by highly sensitive instruments. However, there have been earthquakes that jolted the islands. The island of Hawaii has experienced numerous earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater, however, no large earthquakes have been felt on Kauai. History of Earthquakes in Hawaii, M6 and Greater, 1868-Present
Earthquake Mitigation Activities in Kauai County
Earthquake Mitigation Activities At Home During an earthquake, contents can shake violently, potentially injuring or trapping occupants. You can mitigate the effects of earthquakes by doing these, and other, measures: anchor tall bookcases; secure propane tanks; restrain computers and appliances; install latches on cabinet doors; secure gas and water lines; brass crippled walls; and mount framed pictures and mirrors to the wall. Anchor Bookcases and File Cabinets Anchoring furniture so that it remains upright not only helps prevent injuries and helps to keep exits clear, but it also helps protect both the furniture and its contents. You can anchor large pieces of furniture in several ways. Make sure that all anchoring screws penetrate not just the wall but the studs behind it as well. Screws embedded only in drywall or plaster will pull out. The cost of anchoring a bookcase or file cabinet will depend on its width. In general, if you do the work yourself, you can expect the cost to be approximately $5 per foot. So, for example, anchoring a 3-foot-wide bookcase will cost you about $15. Check with your local home improvement store. Secure Propane Tanks During earthquakes, propane tanks can break free of their supporting legs. When a tank falls, there is always a danger of a fire or an explosion. One way to prevent damage to propane tanks and compressed gas cylinders is to anchor and brace them securely. Bracing and anchoring a propane tank will cost about $250. Having flexible connections installed on the tank and at the house will cost about $75. Attaching one gas cylinder to the wall will cost about $50. Check with your local home improvement store. Restrain Appliances and Computers You can protect desktop computers and other small appliances by restraining them in a variety of ways. Some methods, such as using hook-and-loop material (Velcro for example), require no tools. This will cost approximately $2 to $10, depending on the amount of hardware. Others, which include using chain, cables, or elastic cord ("bungee" cords for example), will usually require simple hand tools. Using velcro material will be the cheapest method. Using chain or cable will be the most expensive method but may be necessary for heavy items. Check with your local home improvement store. Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors One way to prevent the accidental opening of drawers and cabinet doors is to install latches, such as barrel bolts, safety hasps, and child-proof locks. Most hardware and home supply stores stock a variety of latches. Most latches will cost between $2 and $5. If you do the work yourself, the cost of adding latches to all the cabinets and drawers in a medium-sized kitchen could range from about $60 to about $100. Check with your local home improvement store. Brace Cripple Walls A cripple wall is a short wall that rests on the foundation and supports the floor and exterior walls. If the cripple wall is not braced, it can shift during an earthquake. When this occurs, there is a greater likelihood that your house will be severely damaged and that you and members of your family will be injured. To protect your home, horizontal blocking that consists of 2" by 4'' boards is added between the vertical studs at the top and bottom of the cripple wall and, if necessary, at other locations between the studs. New vertical studs can also be added if necessary. Plywood or oriented strand board is then nailed to the interior face of the cripple wall. Also, nails are added through the existing blocking between floor joists to ensure that the floor is securely attached to the cripple wall. Bracing a 2-foot-high cripple wall will cost you about $1.50 per linear foot of wall. For example, a house measuring 60 feet by 30 feet will have a perimeter of 180 feet. So the cost for that house would be about $270. Check with the Public Works Department, Building Division at 241-6655 to see whether you need a permit to do this work. Check with your local home improvement store. Use Flexible Connections on Gas and Water Lines Because most gas and water lines are rigid, they can be torn from their connection points during an earthquake. A broken gas line is especially serious because of the potential for a fire or even an explosion. One way to prevent broken gas and water lines is to have flexible connection pipes installed between appliances and their supply lines. Having a flexible connection installed on a furnace or other large appliance will cost about $75. Changes to the gas lines and plumbing in your house must be done by a licensed contractor, who will ensure that the work is done correctly and according to all applicable codes. This is important for your safety. Call the Public Works Department, Building Division 241-6655 to obtain a permit to do this work. Frame Pictures and Mirrors Large pictures and mirrors
can cause injuries when they fall, and the broken glass that often results
increases the potential for injury. One way to mount framed pictures and
mirrors securely is to use long-shanked, open eye-hooks instead of traditional
picture hangers. Also, an alternative to running wire across the back
of the picture or mirror is to use closed eye-hooks securely screwed into
the back of the frame. The cost of mounting a picture or mirror with eye-hooks
will depend on its size and weight. In general, for a large picture or
mirror that requires two eye-hooks, you can expect the cost to be approximately
$3 to $5. Check with your local home improvement store. It is estimates that 43% of businesses never reopen following a local disaster, such as a hurricane. It is important that business owners take proactive steps to protect their business, because they are a vital part of the community. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggest that small business owners develop a Disaster Plan that includes mitigation activities. These activities are divided into the following categories:
Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)
Operations
Critical Information and Communication
Insurance
DROUGHTS (Up to TOC) What is a drought? A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather. Drought diminishes natural stream flow and depletes soil moisture, which can cause social, environmental and economic impacts. In general, the term "drought" should be reserved for periods of moisture deficiency that are relatively extensive in both space and time. What causes a drought? A drought is caused by a deficiency of rainfall and can be increased by other factors such as high temperatures, high winds, and low relative humidity. Drought can also result from human activities that increase demand for water. Expanding populations, irrigation, and environmental awareness all put pressure on water supplies. The severity of the drought depends not only on the duration, intensity, and geographic range, but also on the regional water supply demands made by human activities and vegetation. What are my risks? How does drought affect me in the short-term? Droughts increase the potential for wildland fires. Farmers, cattle ranchers, and people using water catchment systems are the most severely affected by drought. How does drought affect me in the medium-term? Drought exacerbates the problem of ensuring a sustainable yield of potable water. Since Hawaii is an island state, this is particularly critical. Failure to take appropriate action could result in Hawaii not having sufficient quantity and quality of water resources to sustain future population and industry. The State's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has estimated that within 25 years groundwater on Oahu will have to be supplemented with other sources to keep up with the demand. Source: Drought and Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan, Department of Defense, Civil Defense Division, Dec 1998. Kauai County's Most Severe Droughts Droughts have impacted almost every island in Hawaii with the most severe ones in the past 15 years associated with the El Nino phenomenon. During the El Nino years, droughts have occurred during the winter-spring period.
Source: State Department of Land and Natural Resources,
National Weather Service, State Civil Defense Division
What can I do at home? Because our fresh water resources are limited, water should be used wisely - particularly during the dry season.
What can I do at work? Droughts can impact an island over the long term, rather than immediately. This provides the opportunity for businesses to make adjustments in procedures to conserve water. For some types of business, these steps are critical in reducing financial losses throughout the drought. It is important that business owners take proactive steps to protect their business, because they are a vital part of the community. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggest that small business owners develop a Disaster Plan that includes mitigation activities. These activities are divided into the following categories:
Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)
Operations CAFETERIA AREA
LANDSCAPING / EXTERIOR AREAS
MONITORING
Critical Information and Communication
Insurance
VOLCANOES (Up to TOC) What causes volcanoes to erupt? Deep underground, there is a region hot enough to melt rock. At times, some of this melted rock flows toward the surface and collects in large reservoirs. Atmospheric pressure near the Earth's surface is less than deep underground; therefore, gases inside the melted rock expand when it nears the surface. This expansion propels the melted rock through a volcano. Once the melted rock erupts, it is called lava. What are my risks? Eruptions on Kauai The main mass of Kauai is about 3 to 5 million year old, although there were a few very small eruptions on the island as late as about 400,000 years ago! After a long period of no eruptions (maybe something like 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 million years, the latest stage of volcanism occurred on Kauai, the post-erosional, or rejuvenated stage. On Kauai, the lavas and other volcanic material from this stage have been called the Koloa Volcanics. Vog and Laze Hazards for Kauai County Although the Koloa, Makaweli, and Napali volcanoes are probably dead, volcanic hazards do affect the island. Volcanoes spew noxious plumes of acidic gases. The resulting vog and laze effect many communities across Kauai County. When a volcanic erupts, sulfur dioxide within the molten rock is converted to sulfuric acid. The resulting plume is known as vog (volcanic fog). Gases are also produced at the ocean. When the lava enters the ocean, hydochloric acid is produced - called laze (lava haze). Both of these gases can contain particulate matter, such as volcanic glass or trace metals. Vog and laze are carried by winds across the county. The impacts include:
Volcano Mitigation Activities for Kauai County The following is a list of various agencies and activities they are doing to mitigation volcanic hazards in Kauai County.
What can I do at home? To mitigate vog and laze effects from volcanic eruptions, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends people:
Source: FEMA. Multi-Hazard: Identification and Risk Assessment; A Cornerstone of the National Mitigation Strategy; 1997. What can I do at work? Volcanic eruptions can hurl hot rocks for at least 20 miles. Floods, airborne ash, or noxious fumes can spread 100 miles or more. If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. BEFORE: Learn about your community warning systems. Be prepared for these disasters that can be spawned by volcanoes.
Make evacuation plans. You want to get to high ground away from the eruption. Plan a route out and have a backup route in mind. Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a volcanic eruption (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Get a pair of goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member of the household. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on volcanoes. Evacuation: Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing so could be very dangerous. The rock debris from a volcano can break windows and set buildings on fire. Stay safe. Follow authorities' instructions and leave the area before the disaster begins. DURING: Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities. Avoid areas downwind of the volcano. Stay out of the area. If caught indoors:
If trapped outdoors:
Protect yourself:
Mudflows: Mudflows are powerful "rivers" of mud that can move faster than people can walk or run. Mudflows occur when rain falls through ash-carrying clouds or when rivers are dammed during an eruption. They are most dangerous close to stream channels. When you approach a bridge, first look upstream. If a mudflow is approaching or moving beneath the bridge, do not cross the bridge. The power of the mudflow can destroy a bridge very quickly. AFTER: Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information. Stay away from volcanic ashfall. When outside:
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside. Avoid driving in heavy ashfall. Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles. Clear roofs of ashfall. Ashfall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. What does FEMA recommend for agencies to do? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends five ways agencies can mitigate losses from volcanic eruptions.
Source: FEMA. Multi-Hazard: Identification and Risk Assessment;
A Cornerstone of the National Mitigation Strategy; 1997. WILDLAND FIRES (Up to TOC) Wildfire Risks All the Hawaiian Islands are susceptible to wildland fires, especially during prolonged drought and high winds. For the past 15 years, the average annual cost to suppress wildland fires in Hawaii is about $1,100,000 - making it a statewide risk. The greatest danger of fire is where the wildland borders urban areas. The amount of natural fuel (trees and brush) in close proximity to human populations contributes to increasing the risk to life and property. Other threatened locations include agricultural areas that are adjacent to wildlands where downed tress and flammable brush are prevalent. Each year, the State of Hawaii is endangered by hundreds of wildland
fires. Wildland fires are associated with periods of little or no rainfall,
(see drought risks), and are typically the highest with the months associated
with severe drought conditions in Hawaii. Fortunately, wildland fires have not caused extensive damage or destruction to buildings nor injury to people. However, as residential development expands or encroaches into relatively untouched wildlands, people living in these communities will be at greater risk of encountering a wildland fire. What are my risks on Kauai? Drought conditions on Kaua'i prompted three brush fires in August 2000 alone. The first brush fire involved a four-acre fire that nearly reached Kaua'i High School before it was stopped following a five-hour battle. The second fire had firefighters extinguishing burning logs from a fire that charred 100 acres near Kaumuali'i Highway about one mile west of Halfway Bridge. The third brush fire in less than a week had blackened seven acres of grass in a valley located south of the Kaumuali'i Highway and the Puhi Bypass Road. The fire started after sparks from a plantation harvesting operation on the mountainside of the highway floated to the ocean side of the highway. Wind estimated at 20 miles per hour carried the sparks to the valley and ignited the grass. A fire of unknown origin also charred five acres of brush on sloped areas behind the Kukui Grove golf course in March 2000. Two fires in this area and dry weather conditions in Koke'e prompted the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to close forest and park lands there. Kauai County Fire Department suggests ways to reduce your risk from brush fires during the drought season. Owners of large, vacant lots should cut down high grass, and maintain road access to their lots and within the lots where fires may erupt. Landowners need to be on top of the management of these lands. To help combat future brush fires, the fire department will use a $55,000 grant from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife to buy a four-wheel-drive brush vehicle equipped with a mini-pump, a water tank and other equipment. Kauai's Wildfire Mitigation Resources
Mitigation Activities at Home Each year, homes and businesses across the State of Hawaii are endangered by hundreds of wildland fires, particularly during periods of little or no rainfall. Residents can mitigate the effect of wildland fires by properly discarding their cigarette butts, as well as with activities in their yard, gutters, roof, and landscape. Properly discard your cigarette butt in the appropriate receptacle. Cigarette butts start many of the wildland fires in Kauai. Clear debris around your house. Shrubs, brush, and combustible debris on your property should be removed - especially within a radius of 30 feet at the base of your home. A contractor will usually charge $300-$500 to trim a large tree ($1000-$2000 to move). Trees maintained by the City or the State may not be pruned or removed by homeowners. Homeowners should contact the Roads Division at 241-6636 to report a hazardous tree. Clean roof and gutters regularly, to prevent accumulation of leaves that may become a fire hazard. Install a Fire Resistant Roof. When wildfires and brush fires spread to houses, it is often because burning branches, leaves, and other debris are carried by the wind and fall on roofs. If the roof of your house is covered with wood or asphalt shingles, you should consider replacing them with fire-resistant materials. Contact the County Building Division at 241-6655 to obtain a permit needed when changing the type of roofing material. Call local contractor for more information and a price quote. Plant a Fire Safe Landscape. A fire safe landscape isn't necessarily
the same as a well-manicured yard. A fire safe landscape uses fire resistant
plants that are strategically planted to resist the spread of fire to
your home. The good news is that you don't need a lot of money to make
your landscape fire safe. And you will find that a fire safe landscape
can increase your property value and conserve water while beautifying
your home. Ask your local nursery or a landscape contractor for assistance.
Anyone with questions about home fire hazards or creating a family emergency
plan can call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 831-7765 or the Kauai
County Fire Department: at 241-6511. What can I do at work? It is estimates that 43% of businesses never reopen following a local disaster, such as a hurricane. It is important that business owners take proactive steps to protect their business, because they are a vital part of the community. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) suggest that small business owners develop a Disaster Plan that includes mitigation activities. Facilities (Buildings & Equipment)
Operations
Critical Information and Communication
Insurance
SECTION 3: Hazard Maps for Kauai (Up to TOC) Hazard Map Explanation (Up to
TOC) The summary maps for Kauai show four general types of hazards that may be linked with stronger hazard events. These maps show tsunami inundation, stream flooding, high winds, and damaging high waves, and provide a general history of these event occurrences collected through extensive research from various sources. Although the histories only go back to the 1800s and are not exhaustive, they do show that certain areas in Kauai have an increased likelihood of certain types of hazard occurrences. (Given the small size of Hawaii State, an area that does not have a prerecorded history of a natural hazard occurrence does not preclude it from being affected in the future). The second set of maps show the communities of Kauai in sections approximately 5 to 7 miles in length, with colored bands that rank the relative intensity of each hazard at the adjacent shoreline. Darker sections of the band indicate higher intensity. These bands have been labeled as follows, from the inner coastal band to the outer band:
The intensity readings are APPROXIMATIONS, based on the best available scientific evidence. In many cases, data is limited or not available, which is the reason that the authors of the hazard atlas did not pinpoint the exact location of the hazards, but used the intensity bars to show likelihood. Table 2 explains the intensity rankings. Again, the lack of evidence or data does not mean that a specific hazard will never occur in the area. Therefore, it is important to prepare inclusive hazard mitigation plans that will deal with a variety of contingencies. The maps have been included for reference as you prepare the worksheets. The coastal hazard maps provide information on several hazards that should be considered when engaging in hazard mitigation planning. The maps show general detail about the geology of an area. You can think about your home and community in the context of its geography to assess your vulnerability to hazards and to consider ways to mitigate hazard impacts. Table 2. Hazard Intensity Rank Definitions
Click here to download image of Kauai Stream Flooding Click here to download image of Kauai Tsunamis Click here to download image of Kauai Damaging high waves and high waves due to hurricanes Click here to download image of Kauai Strong winds Click here to download image of Mana Click here to download image of Kekaha Click here to download image of Waimea Click here to download image of Hanapepe Click here to download image of Poipu Click here to download image of Nawiliwili Click here to download image of Hanamaulu Click here to download image of Kapaa Click here to download image of Anahola Click here to download image of Kilauea Click here to download image of Hanalei Click here to download image of Haena Click here to download image of Na Pali Click here to download image of Polihale SECTION 4: APPENDIX (Up to TOC) Appendix One What is Project Impact? (Up to TOC) Project Impact: Building Disaster Resistant Communities was an initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Clinton Administration. FEMA developed Project Impact as a result of the increasing number and severity of natural disasters over the past decade. These nationwide disasters demanded action to reduce the threat that hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, floods and fires imposed upon the nation's economy and the safety of its citizens. With Project Impact-Building Disaster Resistant Communities, FEMA planned to change the way America deals with disasters. Project Impact helps communities protect themselves from the devastating effects of natural disasters by taking actions that dramatically reduce disruption and loss. Project Impact operated on this common-sense damage-reduction approach, basing its work and planning on three simple principles: preventive actions must be decided at the local level; private sector participation is vital; and long-term efforts and investments in prevention measures are essential. This was a unique experiment: FEMA has offered expertise and technical assistance from the national and regional level and included other federal agencies and states in the equation. FEMA has used all the available mechanisms to get the latest technology and mitigation practices into the hands of the local communities. The incentive is clear: a disaster resistant community is able to bounce back from a natural disaster with far less loss of property and consequently much less cost for repairs. Moreover, the time lost from productive activity is minimized for both businesses and their employees. Indeed, FEMA estimates that for every dollar spent in damage prevention, two are saved in repairs. FEMA had more than 120 Project Impact communities and over 1,000 businesses that joined on as Project Impact partners. Kauai County was one of these Project Impact Communities. With changes in leadership following the 2000 elections, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed some of its programs. Project Impact will end as the last of the designated communities finish their projects. Since the concepts proved successful, FEMA has evolved Project Impact concepts into its new Pre-Disaster Mitigation program, where funding will be available to help communities prepare their hazard mitigation plans and funding will be provided to implement these activities. As a Project Impact Community, Kauai County has been able to fund the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment that will be used in its hazard mitigation plans. What was Project Impact doing in Kauai? Project Impact was the first effort to develop an overall hazard mitigation plan in Kauai. The Kauai County Civil Defense Agency has taken the lead in developing Project Impact and expanding the work beyond the Project Impact funding period to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan for Kauai. A number of private and public partnerships have been made throughout Kauai. The community partners provide expertise and cooperation in the development of hazard mitigation plans. One of the main underlying components of the Kauai approach rests on public education and disaster mitigation awareness. The focus group meetings have developed the foundation for public education. In these meetings, information about hazards affecting Kauai were disseminated. By understanding the hazards that could potentially affect various locations on Kauai, the communities can develop plans and take measures to reduce damage from disasters. These communities will be able to use the information from the meetings in preparation of their hazard mitigation plans. The Project Impact technical and advisory committees were organized to advise on the preparation of hazard mitigation plans for Kauai. The advisors and experts provide essential components for an integrated, coordinated hazard mitigation plan. These committees will hopefully serve as advisors for Kauai County's hazard mitigation plans once Project Impact has ended. Appendix Two Disaster - The impact of a natural event upon a vulnerable community resulting in disruption, damage, and casualties which cannot be relieved by the unaided capacity of locally-mobilized resources. Disaster Management - The efficient use of resources to coordinate the processes of relief, recovery, and reconstruction. Disaster Response - Activities occurring in the aftermath of a disaster which assist disaster victims and which rehabilitate or reconstruct damaged infrastructure. GIS - Geographic Information System. A computerized mapping system and tool that enables the visual display of geography to various scales linked with information, often from databases. For the purposes of hazard mitigation, the system allows planners to take information about a specific area, to overlay a hazard to see areas that might be impacted, and to develop actions to minimize the impacts. Hazard Mapping - The process of establishing geographically where certain phenomena are likely to pose a threat to human settlements. Mitigation - All measures taken to reduce loss of life, livelihood, and property caused by natural disasters, either by reducing vulnerability or by modifying, where possible, the hazard. Natural Hazard - The probability of occurrence of a potentially damaging natural phenomenon within a specific period of time. Some of these include cyclones, drought, earthquakes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. Prevention - This term should not be used because it implies misleading resource allocation. Infinite risks cannot be matched by infinite resources----and thereby, "prevented." Recovery - The replacement of resources that may have been disrupted or destroyed by a disaster. The term is also used to cover the social relations required to use those resources. Rehabilitation - Action undertaken in the weeks or months following a disaster to restore basic services which enable life in the region to return to normality. However, it should be recognized that normality also gave rise to a disaster. Therefore, the term can be equated with vulnerability, and there is thus a need to advance from the status quo towards post-disaster improvements. Relief - Attention to immediate and basic needs of disaster survivors. These needs include food, clothing, shelter, and medical or emotional care. In the case of fast-impact disasters such as floods, earthquakes or cyclones, this process is directed at saving lives and alleviating further suffering. Risk - The expected number of lives lost, persons injured, property damaged, and economic activity disrupted due to a particular natural phenomenon. Risk is therefore the product of specific risk and elements at risk. Risk Assessment - The quantification of risk by means of hazard mapping and vulnerability analyses. Vulnerability - The degree of loss to a given element at risk, or set of such elements, resulting from the occurrence of a natural phenomenon of a given magnitude and expressed on a scale from 0 (no change) to 1 (total loss). In lay terms, it means the degree to which an individual, family, community, class or region is at risk from suffering a sudden and serious misfortune following an extreme natural event. Vulnerability Analysis - The process used to identify vulnerable
conditions that will result in a disaster when they meet a natural phenomenon.
The analysis must first study societies at risk by exploring such issues
as social density, incomes, gender, home-ownership patterns and occupations.
Secondly, it must examine the physical factors of property at risk: buildings,
crops, infrastructure, economic assets, etc.
Hawaii's Flood Insurance Rate Map Special Flood Hazard
Flood Insurance Rate Map Terminology (Up to TOC)
FEMA. 1988. National Flood Insurance Program and Related Regulations
Credit Points for the Community Rating System of the National Flood Insurance Program, showing possible and US Average points (Up to TOC)
Minimum Requirements: 211 Prerequisites: Your community must be in the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and be in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP. 310 Elevation Certificate: All Community Rating System (CRS) communities must maintain Federal Emergency Management Agency elevation certificates for all construction in the flood plain after the date of application for CRS classification. 510 Repetitive Loss Projects: A community with properties that have received repeated flood insurance claim payments must map the areas affected. Communities with 10 or more such properties must prepare, adopt, and implement a Plan to reduce damages in repetitive loss areas. 300 Information Activities 310 Elevation Certificate points:
Mandatory. Maintain Federal Emergency Management Agency elevation certificates for new construction in the floodplain. 320 Map Information points:
Provide Flood Insurance Rate Map information to people who inquire and publicize this service. 330 Outreach Projects points:
Send information about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and flood protection measures to flood-prone residents or all residents of the community. 340 Hazard Disclosure points:
Real estate agents advise potential purchasers of flood-prone property about the flood hazard; regulations require a notice of the flood hazard. 350 Flood Protection Library points:
The public library maintains references on flood insurance and flood protection. 360 Flood Protection Assistance points:
400 Mapping and Regulatory Activities 410 Additional Flood Data points:
Develop new flood elevations, floodway delineation, wave heights, or other regulatory flood hazard data for an area that was not mapped in detail by the flood insurance study; have a more restrictive mapping standard. 420 Open Space Preservation points:
Guarantee that currently vacant floodplain parcels will be kept free from development. 430 Regulatory Standards points:
Require a freeboard; require soil tests or engineered foundations; require compensatory storage; zone the floodplain for minimum lot sizes of one acre or larger; regulate to protect sand dunes; have regulations tailored to protect critical facilities or areas subject to special flood hazards. 440 Data Maintenance points:
Keep flood and property data on computer records; use better base maps; maintain elevation reference marks. 450 Stormwater Management points:
Regulate new developments throughout the watershed to ensure that post-development runoff is no greater than pre-development runoff; regulate new construction to minimize soil erosion and protect or improve water quality. 500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities 510 Repetitive Loss Projects points:
Mandatory only for communities that have repeat losses, as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. See "Minimum Requirements." 520 Acquisition and Relocation points:
Acquire and/or relocate flood-prone buildings so that they are out of the floodplain. 530 Retrofitting points:
Document flood-proofed or elevated pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map buildings. 540 System Maintenance points:
Conduct periodic inspections of all channels and retention basins and remove debris as needed. 600 Flood Preparedness Activities. 610 Flood Warning Program points:
Provide early flood warnings to the public and have a detailed flood response plan keyed to flood crest predictions. 620 Levee Safety points:
Maintain levees not otherwise credited that provide some base flood protection. 630 Dam Safety points:
All communities in a state with an approved dam safety program receive this Credit. Totals points:
The Community Rating System (Up to TOC) The US Congress has recognized for several years that although the minimum measures required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provide a reasonable level of protection, additional mitigation measures can reduce the risk of flood losses. Consequently, in 1990, the NFIP instituted a Community Rating System (CRS) to provide incentives for additional mitigation measures over and above the minimum NFIP requirements. CRS gives individual policyholders a premium reduction, or credit, on their flood premiums, if their communities (i.e., counties in Hawaii) implement additional mitigation measures approved by the National Flood Insurance Program. The Community Rating System gives communities credit for eighteen categories of mitigation activities in four general areas (Appendix Three). The application process involves identifying the various qualifying mitigation activities that are in place at the time of the CRS application. These include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
The Community Rating System (CRS) has devised a point-based scoring system
to evaluate each mitigation measure, with a total of over 8,145 points
possible (Appendix Three). All policy holders within a designated community
receive a reduction in their flood insurance premiums, based on the overall
points scored. Discounts or premium credits range from 5% (500 points)
to 45% (4500+ points), with the vast majority of credits across the United
States between 5% (Class 9) and 15% (Class 7). If each county in Hawaii
participated in the program, it would translate into an annual collective
premium savings of between $630,000 (5%) and $1,890,000 (15%) (Table 2).
Although National Flood Insurance Program rates are currently rising,
a number of program changes will likely result in a significant expansion
in the number of flood insurance policyholders in the next few years.
Therefore, the potential savings available for the community under CRS
should also increase significantly. Communities with ten or more National Flood Insurance Program-insured
properties that have experienced repetitive flood losses, which would
include the City and County of Honolulu, Kauai County, and Hawaii County,
must also prepare and submit a review of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's list of repetitive loss properties; a map locating areas in which
they are located; a description of the causes of flooding; certification
that the respective loss property owners will receive information on flood
protection measures annually; and a timetable for the adoption of a Repetitive
Loss Plan. The plan could include:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has streamlined its Community Rating System (CRS) application in the past two years, making the process simpler and more straight forward. FEMA officials and the National Flood Insurance Program State Coordinator in the Department of Land and Natural Resources have also recently completed a model application that can be used by Hawaii's counties to apply for participation in the program. This model application documents state laws and regulations, as well as other flood plain management activities creditable on the CRS application. The model includes scores for statewide CRS mitigation activities, for a total of 537 points. It also provides the necessary documentation for inclusion in a CRS application from any one of the four Counties. Maui County is currently the only community in Hawaii participating in the Community Rating System (CRS). On its first try, the county obtained a 5% reduction for all of its policyholders and came close to obtaining a 10% reduction. The Maui County CRS Coordinator estimates he worked quarter time for about six months to complete the initial application. This entailed consulting county, state, and federal agencies responsible for flood mitigation activities, and securing copies of the ordinances, regulations, and other records that document activities claimed on the Community Rating System application. To achieve a 10-15% premium discount, the coordinator believes a follow up application should be much simpler than the initial application. This is due, in part, to his knowledge of the process, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's new application, and 537 points for state-wide mitigation activities documented in the model CRS application, mentioned above. If Maui County would like to increase the premium credits beyond ten or fifteen percent, however, they will have to initiate additional mitigation activities. Benefits of Participating in the Community Rating System Reduction of individual National Flood Insurance Program policy premiums. Most consumer value highly and appreciate even a small cost saving - especially those who feel inundated with insurance premium payments (health, automobile, home).
Reduction of flood hazards. Implementation of Community Rating System activities in a flood hazard area:
Costs of Participating in the Community Rating System Staff time for the completion of an application. Although initially one-quarter time for six months to complete Maui's first application, the total time should decrease due to the streamlining of the process and the availability of the model application completed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator. Costs incurred for implementation of new mitigation for credits beyond 15%. While 1600 points can be obtained for acquiring flood-prone property and 1400 for retrofitting flood-prone structures, the national average is 83 points for the former and 26 points for the latter. Property acquisition and retrofitting existing buildings can be expensive undertakings, but these costs can be weighed against premium savings. Repetitive loss communities have additional activities required. For
the City and County of Honolulu, Kauai County, and Hawaii County additional
effort will be required to commit to the development and implementation
of a repetitive loss plan and provide additional information along with
their applications. However, the amount of effort required to complete
an application to participate in the Community Rating System could be
less than Maui County invested for its initial application. The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS) provides a unique opportunity for state and county governments to initiate flood disaster mitigation measures and to reduce the cost of property insurance for their residents. Although merely filing a CRS application and documenting existing mitigation measures does little to reduce the actual risk of flood losses, even this effort will increase the awareness of property owners (and elected officials) of both the risk and what can be done to reduce it. In order to determine whether to participate in the Community Rating System (CRS), each county has to evaluate the costs and benefits of the program. In purely financial terms, it appears that the benefits of participation in the CRS to residents heavily outweigh the cost to the county governments. The premium savings from minimal participation using existing mitigation activities are probably four or five times the cost of staff time to complete an application and provide the required reports to the National Flood Insurance Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The range of mitigation measures creditable under the Community Rating System (CRS) regulations is broad enough for the counties to design mitigation plans tailored to reduce their unique flood hazard risks with human and financial resources already available. With the flexibility provided under the program, the state and county governments can undoubtedly go beyond CRS mitigation requirements for a ten or fifteen percent reduction in premiums and significantly reduce the risk of future flood losses in Hawaii. |
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