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Increased Waterway Clearing Could Mitigate Flood Risk for Oahu Properties

·7 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

A candidate for State House District 26 has proposed increased routine clearing of Makiki Stream and other waterways to reduce flooding. If enacted, this policy could diminish property damage and business interruption risks associated with heavy rainfall.

  • Real Estate Owners: Potential reduction in flood insurance premiums and property damage.
  • Small Business Operators: Lowered risk of business interruption and supply chain disruptions due to localized flooding.
  • Tourism Operators: Improved accessibility to coastal and stream-adjacent attractions, reduced risk of event cancellations.
  • Action: Monitor legislative progress and local government infrastructure planning.

Watch & Prepare

Medium Priority

Failure to address waterway blockages could lead to increased flood risk during storm events, potentially causing property damage and business disruptions if not mitigated, especially as weather patterns can change rapidly.

Watch for legislative proposals and county budget allocations that prioritize increased routine clearing of Makiki Stream and similar waterways. If these initiatives gain traction and funding, begin reassessing flood vulnerability for properties and operations in susceptible areas and consult with insurance providers regarding potential premium adjustments.

Who's Affected
Real Estate OwnersSmall Business OperatorsTourism Operators
Ripple Effects
  • →Increased waterway maintenance → reduced flood damage → potentially lower insurance costs for real estate and businesses
  • →Reduced flood disruptions → improved business continuity for small operators and tourism
  • →Proactive infrastructure investment → signal of government focus on resilience → potential for attracting long-term development
A dramatic scene of submerged cars in a flooded street surrounded by trees at night.
Photo by Alfredo Marco Pradil

Increased Waterway Clearing Could Mitigate Flood Risk for Oahu Properties

Executive Brief

A candidate for State House District 26 has proposed increased routine clearing of Makiki Stream and other waterways to reduce flooding. If enacted, this policy could diminish property damage and business interruption risks associated with heavy rainfall.

  • Real Estate Owners: Potential reduction in flood insurance premiums and property damage.
  • Small Business Operators: Lowered risk of business interruption and supply chain disruptions due to localized flooding.
  • Tourism Operators: Improved accessibility to coastal and stream-adjacent attractions, reduced risk of event cancellations.
  • Action: Monitor legislative progress and local government infrastructure planning.

The Change

During a candidate Q&A session, Ian Ross, a candidate for State House District 26, indicated support for increasing routine clearing of Makiki Stream and other waterways across the state. The stated goal of this initiative is to prevent blockages that can exacerbate flood risks during periods of heavy rainfall. While this is a candidate's statement and not yet policy, it signals a potential future policy direction within state government, particularly concerning infrastructure maintenance and natural resource management.

Who's Affected

Real Estate Owners

Properties located in or near flood-prone areas, particularly those adjacent to streams or drainage channels, stand to benefit from proactive waterway maintenance. Reduced frequency and severity of flooding can translate to lower flood insurance premiums over time. Developers planning projects in such areas might also see reduced risk during the construction phase and potentially increased long-term value for properties less susceptible to damage. Owners of commercial properties and rental units could see fewer instances of costly repairs and prolonged vacancies due to flood damage.

Small Business Operators

Businesses, especially those with ground-floor retail or service operations in flood-prone zones, face direct risks from waterway blockages. Flooding can lead to significant business interruption, inventory loss, and damage to equipment. Increased clearing could mitigate these disruptions, ensuring more consistent operations and reduced unexpected expenses. Restaurant and retail businesses relying on foot traffic are particularly vulnerable to street-level flooding.

Tourism Operators

Tourism businesses, including hotels, tour operators, and activity providers, can be indirectly affected by localized flooding. If streams overflow, it can impact accessibility to attractions, disrupt transportation routes for tours, and potentially lead to cancellations of outdoor activities. Maintaining clear waterways ensures that popular natural attractions remain accessible and reduces the likelihood of weather-related disruptions that can deter visitors or create negative experiences. Coastal and riverfront accommodations could see increased appeal and reduced operational risk.

Second-Order Effects

Enhanced waterway maintenance, if funded and implemented, could have several ripple effects. Consistent clearing of streams and drainage systems could lead to a marginal reduction in demand for flood-related property damage repair services. This, in turn, might free up some contractor resources for other construction and renovation projects, potentially easing minor bottlenecks in the broader development sector. More significantly, a reduced flood risk could indirectly support the viability of businesses operating in lower-lying areas, contributing to a more stable local employment base and tax revenue, which underpins public services.

What to Do

Real Estate Owners

Monitor local government infrastructure planning and any budget allocations for waterway maintenance. Track potential changes in flood zone designations or insurance underwriting policies related to improved flood mitigation. Consider incorporating reduced flood risk into long-term property value assessments.

Small Business Operators

Stay informed about any municipal or state initiatives to increase waterway clearing. Assess your business's current flood vulnerability and review business interruption insurance policies. If your business is in a known flood-prone area, understand the proposed maintenance plans and their potential impact on operational continuity.

Tourism Operators

Keep abreast of any state or county plans to enhance waterway maintenance. Evaluate how improved flood control in key tourist areas might enhance visitor experience or operational resilience. Communicate any perceived benefits to marketing strategies.

Action Details

Watch for legislative proposals and county budget allocations that prioritize increased routine clearing of Makiki Stream and similar waterways. If these initiatives gain traction and funding, begin reassessing flood vulnerability for properties and operations in susceptible areas and consult with insurance providers regarding potential premium adjustments.

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