Bill > HB2440

This bill establishes the Ombudsman's Office for Homeowners Insurance within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, headed by an Ombudsman appointed by the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and approved by the Governor, who must be a licensed attorney with extensive experience in Hawaii property and casualty insurance and dispute resolution, and who is prohibited from engaging in conflicts of interest. The office will be staffed by professional and clerical employees, including "complaints and enforcement officers" and "intake specialists," who will handle complaints, conduct investigations, and facilitate dispute resolution between insurers, insurance businesses, and homeowners insurance policyholders, with the Ombudsman having powers to compel testimony and the production of documents, issue advisory opinions, and make recommendations to the Director. The bill also creates an "Ombudsman's Office for Homeowners Insurance Special Fund" to receive administrative penalties, fines, and other charges collected under the new provisions, and appropriates funds for the establishment and operation of the office and for deposit into the special fund for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2440&year=2026