Bill > SB1560

This bill establishes the Strengthen Hawaii Homes Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide grants for retrofitting residential properties in historically vulnerable areas, with the goals of enhancing disaster resilience and reducing potential insurance liabilities. The program will offer financial support to owner-occupied, single-family homes (excluding condominiums and mobile homes) located in areas with a history of significant disaster impacts, such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Homeowners must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a property in good repair and consulting with an approved evaluator to assess potential improvements to meet specific resilience standards, such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety fortified roof or silver/gold designations. Priority will be given to households with incomes at or below 160% of the area median income, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis within established income tiers. The bill creates a special fund to support the program, which can receive federal money, grants, legislative appropriations, and other funding sources, and requires the department to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the program's progress, expenditures, and observed trends in property vulnerability and insurance accessibility.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1560&year=2026