WAILUKU » Federal officials are considering revising maps identifying some flood-prone areas of Maui, potentially raising homeowner insurance payments by thousands of dollars.

An estimated 340 property owners are affected by the newest revision on Maui, according to Maui County.

Carol Tyau-Beam, Hawaii coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program, said the areas affected the most include Waikapu Stream, Iao Stream and the South Maui areas of Kamaole Gulch and Kaluaihakoko Stream.

Maui County planners are holding a drop-in informational session between 3 and 8 p.m. Thursday at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku to assist property owners.

Property owners in the affected areas may view preliminary revised flood maps, check their property's risk status and ask questions about flood insurance.

Officials plan to provide information about the appeal process for the revised flood maps and the appeal deadline of Dec. 29.

Tyau-Beam said flood insurance premiums could be raised to $6,000 from $1,300 annually, and property owners should consider securing flood insurance before the new maps become effective in October.

County flood plain manager Francis Cerizo said the chances of flooding have changed in some areas of the Valley Isle since the 1980s. “;Water flow and drainage patterns have changed dramatically in Maui County over the last 20 years, which affects the likelihood of flooding in certain areas.”;

The last revision of flood maps in the county was completed in 1981.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been revising flood maps following disasters along the Mississippi River and in Louisiana.

Cerizo said the proposed FEMA map revisions will provide homeowners and potential homebuyers with a more accurate view of flood risks.

Digital maps identifying proposals to reclassify flood areas are available for viewing at gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat.

County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said the informational session is meant to ensure residents are aware of the proposed changes.

“;We're concerned that property owners in these areas may not have noticed earlier published announcements issued by FEMA,”; Martin said. “;There is an opportunity for property owners to save money by securing flood insurance now, and so it's important to understand if they are affected by the new federal maps.”;

For more information contact Cerizo or Carolyn Cortez at the county Planning Department, 270-7735.