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Committee advances resolution urging insurers to seek subrogation against polluters
Summary
The House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce passed SCR 198 SD1, encouraging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims where polluters knowingly misled the public about climate impacts. The measure passed with the committee noting at least one reservation.
The House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce voted to advance SCR 198 SD1 on April 16, 2025. The resolution encourages Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against polluters alleged to have engaged in misleading or deceptive practices about the link between their products and climate change.
The committee heard no in-person or Zoom testimony on this measure. Committee members recommended passage unamended and the recommendation was adopted. During the roll call the committee chair asked whether any members were voting with reservations; the record notes a reservation recorded for a member ("Rupurik").
The committee did not add state-level enforcement language or specify an implementation timetable in its action. The measure is a formal expression urging insurers and an association to pursue particular legal remedies rather than creating new state statutory duties.
Vote records show the chair and vice chair both voting in the affirmative; members recorded as voting aye included Rep. Iligan, Rep. Uemoto, Rep. Lowen and Rep. Martin. Several members were excused during the vote. No amendments or follow-up assignments were included in the committee’s decision.
