S.C.R. No. 82 Summary

• Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs must convene a working group by July 1, 2024, to address insurance accessibility in Hawaii Island's Lava Zones 1 and 2, where Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company is withdrawing approximately 1,000 policyholders by August 31, 2024.

• Working group must explore strategies including evaluating equitable premium application, decreasing Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) rates, expanding HPIA coverage to commercial businesses, implementing subsidy programs for vulnerable residents, and creating risk pooling mechanisms.

• Working group composition includes the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (chair), Insurance Commissioner, one Senate member, one House member, Hawaii County Mayor, Hawaii County Council Chairperson, HPIA Board Chairperson, one affected small business owner, one affected homeowner, and other necessary members.

• Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

• Working group dissolves on June 30, 2025.