HPIA is Accepting Puna Coverage Requests

Signed into law on May 5, Act 32 requires the Hawai’i Property Insurance Association to lift any moratorium on the issuance of residential property insurance within lava zones that were declared to be under a lava flow-related state of emergency declared by Mayor Billy Kenoi on Oct. 15, 2014.

Now, Hawai’i’s Insurance Division is letting residents on the Big Island know that HPIA is accepting new business applications and coverage increase requests.

The lifting of the moratorium in Puna through Act 32 was possible largely due to the efforts of Senator Russell Ruderman and Representative Joy San Buenaventura, as well as Senator Rosalyn Baker and Representative Angus McKelvey, chairs of the consumer protection committees.

“This is an opportunity to safeguard against unexpected property damage,” said Hawai’i Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito. “We want to thank our lawmakers for taking steps to pass legislation to lift the moratorium.”

With the lifting of the moratorium, residents can now access property insurance that was restricted during the recent approaching June 27 lava flow. According to Ito, Big Island residents should take the opportunity before another lava flow or natural disaster takes place.

Both a lava information brochure and a homeowner’s premium comparison chart created by the Insurance Division can be accessed at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website. (cca.hawaii.gov/ins

Homeowners should contact their insurance agent for more information on coverage. For more information about the Insurance Division, visit the CCA website or call (808) 586-2790.