Bill > HB1056

This bill establishes the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program to help single-family homeowners retrofit their homes to better resist wind damage. The program will be administered by the insurance commissioner within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and will provide grants to homeowners to offset the costs of home improvements. To be eligible, homeowners must have a single-family home in good repair, obtain bids from certified contractors, and complete improvements that meet the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety's FORTIFIED standards (Roof, Silver, or Gold levels). Applicants must have wind and flood insurance (if applicable) and have a household income not exceeding 140% of the area median income. The program will be funded through a special fund that can receive federal grants, state appropriations, and other funding sources, with an initial appropriation of $10 million for fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill also creates seven full-time positions within the insurance division to administer the program and includes provisions for application processes, contractor requirements, confidentiality of application materials, and periodic reinspections. Notably, the program is not guaranteed and is subject to annual legislative appropriations and available funding.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1056&year=2026