Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR175

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

Impact

The proposed working group will study and develop solutions to restore accessible insurance options and may consider a range of strategies. These include evaluating premium applications, reducing rates for state-run insurance offerings, expanding coverage for commercial entities, exploring subsidies, and potentially establishing a risk-pooling mechanism. The importance of this initiative is underscored by the stark financial challenges currently faced by residents and businesses in these volcanic zones, where insurance premiums have reportedly increased by three to four times, causing significant hardship particularly for low-income families and those trying to secure property financing.

Summary

HCR175 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish a working group aimed at addressing the critical issue of insurance accessibility for residents and commercial businesses located in Lava Zones 1 and 2 in Hawaii. These zones represent high-risk areas that face threats from volcanic eruptions, significantly impacting both the residential and commercial sectors. The resolution arises amidst a growing concern for the insurance market following the decision of Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company to withdraw from offering homeowners, condominium, and renters insurance by August 31, 2024, which has left many policyholders vulnerable.

Contention

Despite the pressing need to provide insurance options, the challenge remains significant due to the inherent risks associated with developments in high-volcano activity areas. There is ongoing debate regarding how best to balance development demands, such as housing and tourism, against insurance viability. Some stakeholders may argue that overly protective insurance measures could stifle development, while others stress that failing to ensure adequate coverage could jeopardize the safety and financial well-being of those living in or doing business in these vulnerable areas. The working group is thus tasked with finding a compromise that addresses these divergent interests.

Companion Bills

HI HR155

Same As Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

Previously Filed As

HI SR68

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

HI HR155

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

HI SCR82

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

HI HCR173

Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Convene A Working Group To Assess The Feasibility And Impact Of Requiring Coverage For Commercial Properties And Structures, Including Greenhouses And Shade Houses, Under The Hawaii Property Insurance Association's Plan Of Operation.

HI SCR70

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Establish And Convene A Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group To Explore And Propose Legislation For The 2026 Legislative Session.

HI SR54

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Establish And Convene A Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group To Explore And Propose Legislation For The 2026 Legislative Session.

HI HCR152

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Establish And Convene A Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group To Explore And Propose Legislation For The 2026 Legislative Session.

HI HR146

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Establish And Convene A Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group To Explore And Propose Legislation For The 2026 Legislative Session.

HI HCR95

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group On The Governance Of Housing Subdivisions In The Puna District, Hawaii County.

HI HCR35

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Develop A Preliminary Draft Evacuation Plan For The Areas Within Lava Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, And 6.

Similar Bills

HI SR68

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

HI SCR82

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

HI HR155

Requesting The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Study And Devise Comprehensive Strategies To Restore Accessible Insurance Options To Residents And Commercial Businesses In Lava Zones 1 And 2.

HI HB913

Relating To The Natural Energy Laboratory Of Hawaii Authority.

HI HB913

Relating To The Natural Energy Laboratory Of Hawaii Authority.

HI SB1489

Relating To The Natural Energy Laboratory Of Hawaii Authority.

HI SB1489

Relating To The Natural Energy Laboratory Of Hawaii Authority.

CA AB140

Housing.