THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	197
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

urging state departments to require households impacted by the Lahaina fires to exhaust their insurance policies before requesting FINANCIAL support from the State.

WHEREAS, the recent August 2023 Maui wildfires have caused significant devastation to Lahaina and communities in Hawaii, leaving many individuals and families in need of assistance; and

WHEREAS, the State has limited resources available to provide support to those affected by natural disasters, such as the Lahaina wildfires; and

WHEREAS, many households impacted by the wildfires may have insurance policies that could provide financial assistance to cover damages and losses incurred during the wildfires, including temporary housing assistance; and

WHEREAS, temporary housing through non-congregate shelters is costing the State $1,000,000 per day; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to G.M. No. 4 (2024), the Governor is requesting an additional $297,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 for non-congregate housing and expenses for households ineligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

WHEREAS, the State has already spent or obligated $200,000,000 through the Major Disaster Fund; and

WHEREAS, it is important for state departments to prioritize the efficient use of state resources by requiring households to exhaust their insurance policies before requesting financial support from the State; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, the House of Representatives concurring, that state departments are urged to require households impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfires to exhaust their insurance policies before requesting financial support from the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that state departments are encouraged to provide guidance and assistance to affected households in navigating the insurance claims process and accessing benefits available through their insurance policies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that state departments are urged to prioritize the allocation of state resources to households that have demonstrated a genuine need for support after exhausting all available insurance coverage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Lahaina Fires; Insurance; Financial Assistance; Housing