Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR197

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Engrossed
4/3/24  
Refer
3/25/24  
Refer
4/4/24  
Engrossed
4/3/24  

Caption

Urging State Departments To Require Households Impacted By The Lahaina Fires To Exhaust Their Insurance Policies Before Requesting Financial Support From The State.

Impact

If adopted, SCR197 would significantly influence the processes through which financial support is dispensed to those affected by the wildfires. The resolution aims to guide state departments in their approach to disaster relief, prioritizing assistance for those who demonstrate a genuine need after utilizing their insurance benefits. This strategy could modify the landscape of state financial assistance in the wake of natural disasters, positing that insurance should serve as the primary source of relief before state funds are allocated.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 197 (SCR197) emphasizes the importance of requiring households affected by the catastrophic August 2023 Lahaina wildfires to exhaust their insurance policies before seeking financial support from the state of Hawaii. This resolution arises from the devastating impact of the fires, which have created a pressing need for state assistance among residents. As the state grapples with the costs incurred from temporary housing and other emergency necessities, SCR197 aims to ensure that available state resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Contention

The resolution has sparked some debate regarding its implications for disaster relief policies. Advocates argue that urging households to access their insurance first will preserve state resources, preventing overcommitment of funds during a time of crisis. However, critics may express concerns that such a requirement could delay assistance for those who may not have adequate insurance coverage to meet their needs immediately after the disaster. The call for a structured approach to aid aligns with the state's financial constraints, but it raises questions about equity and the timely provision of necessary support.

Companion Bills

HI SR169

Same As Urging State Departments To Require Households Impacted By The Lahaina Fires To Exhaust Their Insurance Policies Before Requesting Financial Support From The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SR169

Urging State Departments To Require Households Impacted By The Lahaina Fires To Exhaust Their Insurance Policies Before Requesting Financial Support From The State.

HI SCR186

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Comprehensive Study On Wildfire Risk And Insurance, Including Market-based Approaches.

HI SCR224

Requesting The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Further Assist Maui Wildfire Victims By Amending Its Requirements Under The Direct Lease Program To Require That Properties Qualifying For The Program And Used By Lahaina Residents As Temporary Housing Be Within Twenty Miles Of Lahaina, Rather Than Within Forty Miles.

HI SR160

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Comprehensive Study On Wildfire Risk And Insurance, Including Market-based Approaches.

HI SR200

Requesting The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Further Assist Maui Wildfire Victims By Amending Its Requirements Under The Direct Lease Program To Require That Properties Qualifying For The Program And Used By Lahaina Residents As Temporary Housing Be Within Twenty Miles Of Lahaina, Rather Than Within Forty Miles.

HI SCR93

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Research And Convene Stakeholder Discussions To Consider The Concept Of A Wildfire Insurance Compact.

HI SCR183

Urging The Department Of The Attorney General To Investigate And Enforce Applicable Laws Against Landlords Who Are Ending Rental Agreements To House Fema-eligible Households Through The Direct Lease Program Or The Department Of Human Services Rental Assistance Program.

HI SCR222

Requesting The Department Of Health To Carry Out Widespread Soil Testing In Lahaina And To Develop A Soil Remediation Plan.

HI HCR72

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Coordinate And Develop A Wildfire Insurance Compact.

HI HR57

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Coordinate And Develop A Wildfire Insurance Compact.

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