STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1891-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 186

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 186 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON WILDFIRE RISK AND INSURANCE, INCLUDING MARKET-BASED APPROACHES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study on wildfire risk and insurance, including market-based approaches.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division.

Your Committee finds that it is in the public interest to ensure the accessibility and availability of adequate insurance coverage for future losses from wildfires for the welfare and safety of residents of the State.

Your Committee notes that the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs testified that it does not currently have the resources or staff with expertise to conduct the study requested by this measure. Therefore, the Department would need an appropriation of funds to hire consultants. Your Committee also notes that the Department is requesting that the deadline to submit the report be delayed to at least one year after adoption of this measure to allow sufficient time to organize and conduct the study.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 186 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair