What is Hazard Mitigation? 

Hazard mitigation is defined as a method to reduce or alleviate the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage that can result from a disaster through long- and short-term strategies. Strategies include implementing planning approaches, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities that can mitigate the impacts of hazards. The responsibility for hazard mitigation lies with many, including private property owners; business and industry stakeholders; and local, state, and federal government agencies.

Regulatory Environment 

The federal Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal disaster grant assistance. Prior to 2000, federal disaster funding focused on disaster relief and recovery, with limited funding for hazard mitigation planning. The DMA increased the emphasis on planning for disasters before they occur. 

Other important policies and regulations include:

• Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018
• Code of Federal Regulations – Title 44, Chapter 1, Part 201 (§201.6: Local Mitigation Plans)
•  Federal Emergency Management Agency Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (dated October 1,2011)

Community Rating System 

As a part of the NFIP, the Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum program requirements. For participating communities, NFIP flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting specific goals. Over 1,500 communities in the U.S. currently participate in the CRS. Maui County has participated in the CRS since 1995.

As of 2018, Maui County participates in the CRS as a class 7, which allows for a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums.