Bill > HB982

This bill establishes a working group within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study about creating a Wildfire Recovery Fund in Hawaii, prompted by increasing wildfire risks and the costly, time-consuming nature of current litigation processes for property damage caused by utilities. The working group, comprised of representatives from various state agencies, Hawaiian Electric, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, property insurers, and other relevant stakeholders, will analyze proposed legislation from Senate Bill No. 897 and House Bill No. 982 introduced in 2025. Specifically, the group will determine the appropriate size of the fund, study the governance of a potential public corporation to oversee the fund, explore administrative processes for efficient claim recovery, and compare similar funds in other states. The working group is required to submit a detailed report to the legislature at least 90 days before the 2026 regular legislative session, including findings about establishing a wildfire recovery fund that can efficiently compensate damage victims while protecting the financial stability of regulated utilities. The bill's ultimate goal is to create a rapid, low-cost compensation mechanism for property owners, renters, businesses, and insurers in the event of a catastrophic wildfire allegedly caused by a utility.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=982&year=2026