Hurricane Retrofit Technique
The hurricane retrofit grant program will end on June 30, 2008. We will not accept applications received after that date.
Hurricanes are an ever present threat for homes in
The State's hurricane retrofit grant program has been discontinued. However, the documents developed for that program contain useful information on hurricane retrofitting. Particularly useful are the Wind Resistive Devices Technical Specifications, which provide detailed engineering criteria for the installation of wind resistive devices. These specifications cover:
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certain types of roof to wall connectors
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roof decking improvements
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opening protection
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wall to foundation connections
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and safe rooms
If you have questions, please contact the Hawaii Insurance Division at 586-0899.
Caution: Wind resistive devices are for property loss reduction. They do not prevent damage. Other than the residential safe room, they do not necessarily make your house a safe shelter to stay in during a hurricane.
Some property insurance companies give a premium discount for installation of wind resistive devices. Although premium discounts may seem small on an annual dollar basis, over a lifetime they can add up. The size of the premium discount reflects an actuarial determination about the reduction in risk associated with certain wind resistive devices. Contact your property insurance company for more information. Note that your insurance company may have different technical specifications for their premium credit program than this grant program.
Example of severe hurricane damage to a home: loss of roof sheathing and roof framing structure, windows breached by windborne debris, and failure of wood foundation posts and beams
Wind Resistive Devices Technical Specification (6-13-2007)
Wind Resistive Devices Product Evaluations
You may also wish to read the "Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters". It is available on the Univerisity of Hawaii Sea Grant website under Communications-Publications.