Bill > SR178

This resolution encourages Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) to pursue subrogation claims against fossil fuel companies that knowingly misled the public about their products' contributions to climate change. The resolution highlights the increasing climate-related risks facing Hawaii, including rising temperatures, more severe weather events, and devastating incidents like the 2023 Maui wildfires, which have destabilized the state's insurance industry and led to higher premiums. Drawing parallels to previous legal actions against industries like tobacco and opioid manufacturers, the resolution argues that polluters should be held financially responsible for the damages caused by their deceptive practices. The document emphasizes Hawaii's compelling state interest in protecting its citizens from climate disasters and maintaining an affordable insurance market. Specifically, the resolution calls on insurers and HPIA to use subrogation—a legal mechanism allowing insurers to recover claim payments from responsible third parties—to potentially reduce insurance costs for local residents by seeking compensation from companies that have contributed to climate change through misleading communications about their environmental impact.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=178&year=2025