HI HB1976

Establishes the Safe Home Program under Chapter 431P, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to provide matching and nonmatching grants to eligible homeowners for installation of approved wind resistive devices to reduce hurricane damage.

Eligibility requires applicants to own and occupy a single-family residential property as their primary residence, maintain current homeowners or dwelling insurance with replacement cost coverage equal to or greater than the property's replacement cost, and undergo a wind certification and hurricane mitigation inspection.

Nonmatching grants capped at $6,500 are available to applicants with annual adjusted gross household income not exceeding 80% of median county income; matching grants capped at $5,200 require dollar-for-dollar applicant matching for higher-income households.

Creates a Safe Home Program Trust Fund to be used for grant awards and program administration costs; grants are exempt from procurement and budget chapters but first-come, first-served awards cover specific wind resistive devices including roof deck attachment, water barriers, roof covering, gable bracing, and door/window protection.

Establishes one permanent full-time position within the insurance division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer affairs to administer the program; requires annual reporting to the governor and legislature; effective July 1, 2050.