ng windows and roofs. An estimated 10 percent of the buildings had moderate to major damage. (EQE) Large portions of metal sheathing were removed by the strong winds due to inadequate fastenings. Water penetration and wind-borne debris then caused major damages due to the roof failure. Coastal homes suffering from flooding typically had their lowest floor constructed directly onto the ground surface. Buildings performed well where hurricane clips and metal straps on wood frame structures were adequately sized and correctly applied. Most residential buildings were not engineered, and consequently were poorly designed and built. (FEMA, 1999)After Hurricane Iniki, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stepped in to provide help. They used their Building Performance Assessment Team (BPAT) to analyze buildings, particularly homes, destroyed in the hurricane. The analysis created a report called “Building Performance: Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii.” The report provided observations regarding the structural flaws resulting in damage. It also provided recommendations to help insure a greater structural integrity in the event this occurred again. The report was distributed to design professionals, local officials, and the general public across Hawaii. A copy can also be requested by calling FEMA. FEMA hopes this information will help prevent damage of this magnitude in the future. They have also created other manuals and reports, such as the Coastal Construction Manual, to further aide this effort. (FEMA, 1999)Hurricane Iniki caused extensive damage to buildings on Kauia. As a result, many insurance companies collapsed. (Steinberg, 2000) They simply didn't have sufficient reinsurance to cover the amount damage claims submitted. Many mainland insurance companies withdrew from the Hawaii market altogether. This caused homeowners insurance with hurricane coverage hard to secure. After the state stepped in and crea...
