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Committee backs resolution urging insurers to pursue subrogation against polluters to reduce local premiums
Summary
SCR 198 SD 1 asks Hawaii insurers and the Property Insurance Association to pursue segregation and subrogation claims against polluters to offset costs to residents; the committee voted to pass the resolution after proponents linked subrogation to stabilizing insurance markets following the Lahaina disaster.
The House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection on April 10 recommended passage of SCR 198 SD 1, a resolution encouraging Hawaii insurers and the Property Insurance Association of Hawaii to pursue segregation and subrogation claims against polluters as a way to reduce insurance costs for residents.
Josh Stanborough of the Center for Climate Integrity testified in strong support and tied the measure to economic risk following the Lahaina disaster, saying the climate crisis “really boils down to risk and economics” and arguing that holding polluters financially responsible could help stabilize insurance markets.
Stanborough also said some scientists who dispute mainstream climate findings were funded by fossil fuel interests; he said the resolution “goes a fair bit to making them pay rather than just, sort of accusing them of something.”
The committee recorded a recommendation to pass SCR 198 SD 1 unamended; the chair and vice chair voted aye and Representative Quinlan was noted as excused. The committee’s adoption advances the resolution for further legislative consideration but does not itself change insurance law or compel insurers to pursue claims.
The resolution is a formal request to insurers and industry associations to consider legal avenues that could offset climate‑related costs borne by policyholders; it does not appropriate funds or create enforcement mechanisms.
