HOLOMUA Volume 26 Issue 4

Major Flood Events and Response

April 2018 Flood Event In April 2018, torrential rain caused catastrophic flooding across Kauai and East Oahu. The storm impacted 527 properties (source: FEMA), with FICOH handling more than 220 NFIP claims. Our FEMA adjusting partner, Pilot Catastrophe, mobilized quickly, deploying 5-6 adjusters to the hardest-hit areas. Access to Hanalei was especially difficult, requiring adjusters to travel by boat and horseback to reach stranded residents. Hanalei residents even offered their own horses to assist adjusters, who spent three weeks conducting assessments in the area. March 2021 Rainstorms Heavy rains in March 2021 caused widespread property damage across Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. FICOH received around 40 claims, with total estimated damages affecting roughly 100 properties. In-House Flood Expertise FICOH’s dedicated Flood team has deep expertise. Both Maile and Danny hold the Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI) designation, awarded by FEMA after passing a series of rigorous exams that measure technical and practical flood insurance knowledge. Our Unique Value Proposition What sets FICOH apart from other WYO carriers is our commitment to personalized service. Unlike competitors who rely solely on vendors like Torrent, our Flood team manages all agent interactions directly. Danny and Maile handle everything from quotes and new business to endorsements and payments, providing a seamless, high-touch experience that strengthens relationships with our agency partners. Adapting to Change In 2022, FEMA introduced Risk Rating 2.0 , replacing its 30-year-old rating model. Danny and Maile worked diligently to learn and implement the new program during the pandemic. In essence, the new program compressed rates so there were fewer outliers and policyholders across flood zones were paying their fair share. This increased rates for many NFIP policyholders, resulting in some movement to the private market. Looking Ahead NFIP flood mapping changes across Oahu are expected in 2026. These updates will assign flood zones to previously undetermined areas, including in Iwilei, Chinatown, the North Shore, Kailua, Kapolei, and inland Waianae. These updates will likely generate increased business for our Flood team. As we celebrate 20 years of protecting Hawaii communities from flood risks, we are proud of our growth, resilience, and the trusted relationships we have built with our agents and policyholders. Here's to another 20 years of dedication and service!

Each quarter, Holomua will feature a Enter to Win! Quiz to test your reading skills. Answer all questions correctly for a chance to win a Denali 40 oz. Stainless Thermal Mug. Click the link below and use the info from this issue to answer the questions. Good luck!

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