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Insurance division backs code updates; public cites rising HO‑6 premiums
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Summary
DCCA's Insurance Division testified for HB22-82, which updates licensing and transparency rules; public commenters reported HO‑6 renewal increases around 20% and urged firmer oversight. The committee passed the bill with amendments to adopt the commissioner's proposed changes.
The DCCA Insurance Division urged the committee to pass HB22-82, a package of updates to Hawaii’s insurance code, while committee members and public commenters pressed for stronger consumer protections after recent premium increases.
Matt Sujimura, speaking for the Insurance Division, said the bill’s sections aim to increase consumer transparency and update licensing standards for adjusters and independent bill reviewers. "Sections 1 and 5 are meant to increase consumer transparency," Sujimura said, and the division included proposed amendments to better align licensing chapters.
Members of the public told the committee they had seen large increases in HO‑6 condominium insurance renewals — one commenter described a near-20% renewal increase and urged the committee to consider caps or stronger enforcement. "It's very concerning to me ... there needs to be a cap," said one condo owner describing a roughly 20% rise in premiums.
Committee discussion led to adoption of the insurance commissioner's proposed amendments and to a vote to pass the bill with amendments. One member said the bill "needs teeth" and advocated retaining sanction authority if insurers fail to comply with transparency requirements.
Next steps: HB22-82 was passed out of committee with amendments; staff will incorporate the Insurance Division’s suggested language and committee members signaled interest in follow-up on enforcement mechanisms.
