HI SCR198

Encourages Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against fossil fuel industry polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices regarding climate change connections to their products.

Cites evidence that certain fossil fuel polluters have been aware of their contribution to climate change for decades and engaged in deliberately deceptive practices that exacerbated climate-related harms.

Attributes rising insurance premiums and non-renewal rates in Hawaii's property and casualty insurance sector to climate-related disasters and damages, particularly from the 2023 Maui wildfires.

References precedent for similar claims pursued against responsible parties in the opioid epidemic and tobacco industries to prevent financial burden from falling solely on policyholders and taxpayers.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Director of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Public Utilities Commission Chair, National Association of Insurance Commissioners President, and Hawaii Property Insurance Association Plan Administrator.