LAHAINA, Hawaii, Aug. 9 -- The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources issued the following news release:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invite home and business owners to an informational public meeting on the new digital flood insurance rate maps (DFIRMs). The most significant changes affect certain areas in Lahaina and Kihei on the Island of Maui and some changes along Lanai's coastline. These map changes become effective on September 19, 2012 and could impact a property's flood risk and requirements for federally mandated flood insurance. Home and business owners will be provided information on the map change process, flood risks, and available insurance options.

The meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, August 13 at the Kaunoa West Maui Senior Center, 788 Pauoa St. in Lahaina.

"Flooding is the most frequent and costly natural disaster in the United States. The risk for flooding changes over time due to erosion, land use, weather events and other factors," said William J. Aila, DLNR chairperson.

"DLNR continues to work in close partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the four counties to ensure proper management of our floodplains. We encourage home and business owners to attend the public meeting to find out the updated risks that flooding poses," Aila said.

FEMA Region IX Flood Insurance Specialist, along with staff from Maui County and DLNR will be available to answer questions and assist property owners in determining their flood risk. County officials will be available to answer building permit questions for property owners considering developing in newly mapped high-risk flood zones.

For more information regarding the upcoming flood mapping changes in Maui County, please read the featured article in the July 2012 issue of the Wai Halana, Hawaii Flood News at http://www.hidlnr.org/eng/nfip/waiHalana/pdf/2012_july_rev.pdf

On Maui please contact Francis Cerizo or Carolyn Cortez at (808)270-7253 for more information.

TNS 23SQ 120811-3986191 StaffFurigay