H.B. 270 Summary

• Adds new definition of "flood damage" to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 286-2, defined as damage to electrical, computerized, mechanical components, or vehicle interior caused by submersion in water that enters the passenger compartment or engine

• Expands the definition of "rebuilt vehicle" to include vehicles with material damage from flood damage or damage to the vehicle's electronics, in addition to existing frame, unitized structure, or suspension system damage

• Requires flooded vehicles declared as total loss by insurers to receive a branded "rebuilt" or "salvage" title to warn subsequent purchasers of potential hidden defects

• Applies to vehicles where projected repair costs exceed the market value at the time of the incident causing total loss declaration

• Takes effect July 1, 2019