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Bill

SR 111

URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 6 co-sponsors

Hawaii directs state agencies to convene a working group studying insurance availability and affordability impacts from climate change and recommend protective policy solutions.

Offered.
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Bill Summary · SR 111

Legislative bill overview

SR 111 is a resolution urging Hawaii's Insurance Division and Attorney General to establish a working group to study how climate change affects insurance availability and affordability in the state. The resolution requests this group identify feasible options and mechanisms to protect residents and the state from climate-related insurance impacts.

Why is this important

Climate change is increasing insurance costs and reducing coverage availability in vulnerable regions, particularly island states like Hawaii exposed to hurricanes, flooding, and sea-level rise. Without proactive policy solutions, residents and businesses may face uninsurable risks or unaffordable premiums, undermining economic stability and property protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on insurers: Requiring insurers to maintain coverage in high-risk areas could increase their losses; some argue market forces should determine pricing rather than regulatory intervention
  • Taxpayer liability: Solutions involving state-backed insurance pools or subsidies would shift climate risk costs to all taxpayers, including those in lower-risk areas
  • Regulatory scope: Questions about whether state action alone can address a problem driven by global climate trends and federal insurance market dynamics, or if federal coordination is necessary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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