Phasing Out FEMA

[MyManao]

if the repairs were more than 50% higher than the assessed value, the home had to be brought up to all the latest codes.

So? That's standard practice. It's been the rule hereabouts, unless things have recently changed, for something like forever. It don't matter what the feds say, you ain't gonna get a local permit for a greater than 50% remodel without committing to bringing the whole thing up to modern standards/codes..

[HiloJulie]

"Something that happened in 2018 was FEMA passed out money to people who lost their homes. Lots of people had their hands out. If they got compensated by their insurance company later on , FEMA was at the door wanting their money back. Those that had spent that money and didn't have it in the bank had a problem.
Another thing that happened to a few. If it was found out that they actually owned another home. FEMA at their doors too."

So, your beef with FEMA is it doesn't allow you to "double dip?"

Anyone who applies and receives FEMA assistance is required to sign numerous documents which clearly state the provisions of repayment of any assistance paid by FEMA and later determined to be reimbursable through an insurance claim. In most cases, before any FEMA assistance is paid, FEMA requests the name and policy numbers of all insurance policies on any said property. 

The intent of FEMA has always been to assist those in the here and now and in immediate need. If FEMA pays out funds that months (or years) later was subsequently also paid by insurance claims, why wouldn't the amounts paid by FEMA (which is us taxpayers) NOT be reimbursable?

Also, FEMA will pay owners of multiple residences for what is considered their "primary" residence. And yes, if your vacation home(s) get(s) wiped out, and you apply for and get FEMA assistance and it is later determined that your vacation home(s) IS (ARE) NOT your primary residence, then yes, FEMA will RIGHTFULLY be knocking on your door.

And if you live in a flood zone and DON'T have flood insurance, well, OK then, you're screwed. Maybe a prayer will help you?

[Obie]

"And if you live in a flood zone and DON'T have flood insurance, well, OK then, you're screwed. Maybe a prayer will help you?"

There were people in Vacationland who lost homes in 2014. They had every kind of insurance except flood.
They thought they would be covered but Isselle was downgraded to a tropical storm. It turns out it doesn't matter because if your home is destroyed by a storm surge hurricane insurance doesn't cover it.
Just a warning.

Apparently some of you don't realize there are people living on this island who don't have English as a 1st language and didn't understand the FEMA paperwork.
Then there are people who just don't read things. Their reward for that is having to pay back $40,000 or so when they are still getting on their feet.
Just a warning.

[ironyak]

Flooding, regardless of water source, requires flood insurance. Got it.

While I could see some small print about FEMA not covering insured expenses being overlooked in the mountain of paperwork and information, it's in the first line explaining the related program:
"Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster."

As for Limited English Proficiency, FEMA makes an effort to offer services in many language, including Hawaiian, Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, ASL, etc...

When/if this agency goes away, like some are clamoring for, who is going to step-in to do even a better job ensuring accessibility when the next disaster hits Hawaii? Your Oromo and Garifuna up to snuff Obie?

[BlackAkita]

I have a second home in Pahoa. Is FICOH a reputable insurance company to assist me in obtaining a flood insurance policy? (I use a mainland agent for my other house).

This FEMA link does not seem to tell us the flood zone where the home is located.
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

Hawaii's flood info site does not tie together the ArcGis and FEMA databases:
https://fhat.hawaii.gov/

Google seems to think that the home (in Nanawale Estates) is located in Flood Zone D or X. How many Pahoa residents actually have flood insurance policies? Did you use a local agent to find your policy?

I found a site that can give you a quick view of whether you are near an area with a severe risk of flooding (dark blue dots in the map).

https://firststreet.org/city/pahoa-hi/15...fsid/flood