Honolulu's business community is advised to take note: the City and County of Honolulu have updated their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for 2025, recently approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This update is critical for all businesses, especially those in the tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors, as it outlines measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and safeguard against future risks. The LHMP guides actions that the City and community members can take before a disaster to improve our resilience.
The LHMP is a crucial document for businesses because it helps maintain eligibility for hazard mitigation grant assistance programs, underscoring the importance of understanding its implications. The plan update process and opportunities to be involved are detailed on the City and County of Honolulu's website. This ensures that businesses are not caught off guard and can actively participate in the city’s resilience efforts.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters, making the LHMP even more essential. The Resilience Office highlights the growing risks of floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, urging businesses to familiarize themselves with the updated plan. The plan also references other initiatives such as the Lahaina Long-Term Recovery Plan Civil Beat, which further integrate various projects into disaster response.
Businesses should review the LHMP to understand potential risks, mitigation strategies, and available resources. For example, the plan update also helps homeowners offset the costs of preparing for a disaster or secure affordable flood insurance. By staying informed and participating in community planning, Honolulu businesses can strengthen their operations and contribute to a more resilient economic future. Overall, the LHMP underscores the commitment to an "all hazards approach" in disaster preparedness and emphasizes the collaborative efforts needed to protect Hawaii's valuable business landscape.
