SR 111 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

URGING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY FEASIBLE OPTIONS AND MECHANISMS TO PROTECT THE STATE AND ITS RESIDENTS AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF INSURANCE.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to form a working group aimed at addressing how climate change is affecting insurance availability and costs for residents. The proposed group would include officials from the Insurance Division, Attorney General, and various legislative committees to study insurance risks from extreme weather events. Key tasks include evaluating current recovery options and exploring legal strategies to seek financial compensation from fossil fuel companies, which the resolution identifies as responsible for climate-related damages. The measure focuses on protecting state resources and ensuring affordable insurance coverage without mandating specific policy changes or taking a stance on liability.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026

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What changed between versions

SR111 → SR111_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated to include the Chief of the Hawaii Office of Recovery and Resiliency as a key stakeholder and added a new category for experts with relevant knowledge. The reporting deadline was extended to align with the 2027 Regular Session, and the report's recipients were expanded to include the new office chief. These changes broaden the scope of the working group to ensure a more comprehensive approach to climate disaster recovery.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include the Chief of the Hawaii Office of Recovery and Resiliency in the working group and as a recipient of the final report, ensuring broader representation in climate disaster planning.

SCOPE

Added the Chief of the Hawaii Office of Recovery and Resiliency to the list of individuals who must be included in the working group and as a recipient of the final report.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new provision allowing the Chair of the working group to invite experts with relevant knowledge, broadening the group's advisory capacity.

Changed the directive for the working group from 'submit a report' to 'share its findings and recommendations' with specific legislative committees.

TIMELINE

Updated the deadline for submitting findings and recommendations to 'no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027'.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Apr 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3410) with recommendation of adoption, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Mar 25, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, Lamosao, McKelvey; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa.

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 03-25-26 10:01AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Committee

Referred to CPN.

upper

Mar 16, 2026

Introduced

Offered.

upper

5 primary · 2 co-sponsors