Hawaii Senate Bill SR169

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/25/24
• Passed: 4/3/24
• Refer: 3/25/24

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

This resolution aims to promote fiscal responsibility within state aid programs during the recovery process. By insisting that households use their insurance before accessing state funds, the bill anticipates reducing the financial burden on the state’s disaster relief budget. Temporary non-congregate housing assistance has been particularly costly, totaling approximately $1,000,000 per day during the crisis, and the state has already allocated significant amounts from the Major Disaster Fund.

Summary

Senate Resolution SR169, passed by the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii in 2024, urges state departments to require households affected by the August 2023 Lahaina fires to exhaust their insurance policies before seeking financial support from the State. The resolution highlights the significant devastation caused by the wildfires, which resulted in numerous families needing assistance. It addresses the limited resources available in the state to support disaster recovery efforts and emphasizes the need for efficient allocation of these resources.

Conclusion

Overall, SR169 reflects a strategic approach by the Hawaiian legislature to manage disaster recovery resources effectively while urging citizens to utilize existing coverage before turning to state support. However, it also brings forth important considerations regarding the accessibility and adequacy of insurance for impacted households in the wake of such unprecedented disasters.

Contention

While the resolution is intended to streamline financial assistance, it may spark debate regarding its impact on vulnerable households, especially those who may not have sufficient insurance coverage or those facing difficulties in navigating the claims process. Critics may argue that this requirement could delay much-needed assistance for families already struggling due to the aftermath of the fires, potentially leading to further financial or emotional distress.