Read the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Hazard mitigation describes lasting actions that help reduce or eliminate risks to people and property caused by future natural hazards or disasters, such as flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, landslides, or tsunamis.
Mitigation actions can include projects to harden existing buildings so they are better protected, such as installing windows that can withstand high wind and flying debris.
Mitigation also includes actions like updating building codes or implementing polices that limit development in unsafe areas or ensure new structures and constructed to better withstand hazard impacts.
Hazard mitigation is not only important well before a disaster occurs, but also after a disaster during the rebuilding process. Including hazard mitigation actions into the rebuilding process ensures we don’t just restore damaged property to its same condition, leaving the community at risk of similar impacts in the future. Including hazard mitigation in during post-disaster recovery leads to building stronger, safer and smarter communities that are better able to reduce future injuries and future damage.
Hazard mitigation is different from disaster preparedness activities and emergency protective measures.
Disaster preparedness focuses on actions taken before a disaster to ensure we are ready to respond when a disaster occurs, such as making plans, taking training or purchasing emergency supplies.
Emergency protective measures are temporary, just-in-time actions taken when a hazard is threatening or occurring to protect people and property. Examples include placing sandbags to divert flood water or boarding up windows.
The City and County of Honolulu’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (“LHMP”) documents the City’s hazard risks and sets priorities, strategies, and actions for reducing those risks.
Local Governments must revise their LHMP and resubmit it for FEMA approval at least every five (5) years to remain eligible for federal grant programs that can support hazard mitigation.
The City’s LHMP is based on regulations found in FEMA’s Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide. The current plan (2025) was adopted in July 2025 and expires on July 1, 2030.
You may want to review the hazard sections of the plan to get familiar with the types of events Oahu may experience and areas of the island that are at risk. Review the Homeowner’s Handbook to learn about actions you can take to protect your home.
Though a formal update of the plan is only done every 5 years, a review of the plan is conducted every year to address any significant changes. If you have comments or feedback for consideration in the plan’s next annual review, please submit them here.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 6:
Chapter 7:
Chapter 8:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 10:
Chapter 11:
Chapter 12:
Chapter 13:
Chapter 14:
Chapter 15:
Chapter 16:
Chapter 17:
Chapter 18:
Chapter 19:
Chapter 20:
Chapter 21:
Chapter 22:
Chapter 23:
Chapter 24:
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Questions about the Plan? Contact Us.
The City’s Department of Emergency Management Department (DEM) is overseeing the plan update process. Submit your questions and comments to dem@honolulu.gov.