Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, July 30, 2023

See homes and lots in Lava Zone 1 and 2 where insurance will become more difficult to obtain at https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=18d7CWmxQFvxOt-6VzPVunoM0aeLiFfU&ll=19.42512008343819%2C-155.74584528700527&z=11

ABANDONMENT OF LAVA ZONES 1 & 2 BY THE MAJOR INSURER FOR PROPERTIES in high risk areas could mean more difficulty for homeowners with mortgages in Ocean View and the west side of South Point Road all the way up the coast to Ho'okena. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co. plans to pull out of Hawai'i altogether on Aug. 31 of 2024. Universal notified customers that it will not re-up policies up for renewal in Hawai'i on or after Sept. 1, 2023.
    The announcement came in late July from the state's Insurance Division. The absence of Universal in the insurance market will leave most people dependent on seeking policies needed for mortgages for Lava Zone 1 and 2 properties from the more expensive Hawai'i Property Insurance Association, a quasi-public group of insurance agencies.
    Lava Zone 1, the most risky area rejected for coverage by most insurers, includes houses and lots in the east end of Ocean View, on portions of Sea View Dr., Island Blvd., Outrigger Dr., Lei Parkway, Ohia Dr., Mahimahi Dr., Kailua Blvd., Palm Parkway, Oceanview Parkway, Hukilau Dr. and a tiny portion of Coconut Drive.

Lava Zone 1, in red, goes into Kaʻū through Ocean View and makai of Hwy 11 from Volcano to the ocean below Pāhala. USGS map

    Mauka-makai roads in Ocean View with homes and lots in Lava Zone 1 are Iwalani Parkway, Marlin Blvd, Lurline Lane, Liliana Lane, King Kalakaua Lane, Pikake Lane and Lono Lane.
    Lava Zone 2, the second most risky area rejected by coverage by most insurers is the rest of Ocean View, Ranchos and other communities on west side of Ka Lae all the way up the coast past Miloli'i to north of Ho'okena.
    Around Kilauea Volcano, Lava Zone 1 reaches east into heavily populated Puna and west to the ocean southeast of Pāhala in an area with no homes. Pāhala is Lava Zone 3.
    See an interactive map of all the Lava Zones overlaying a google map of homes and lots at https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=18d7CWmxQFvxOt-6VzPVunoM0aeLiFfU&ll=19.42512008343819%2C-155.74584528700527&z=11
    For a list of companies writing insurance through Hawai'i Property Insurance Association, see https://www.hpiainfo.com/
    HPIA was established as an unincorporated association of insurance companies by the 1991 Hawai'i Legislature to provide property insurance for those unable to buy homeowners coverage in the private market for properties in Lava Zones 1 and 2. It offers maximum coverage of $350,000. The association is governed by a board with representatives of insurance companies and people named by the state Insurance Commissioner.
    The state Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs's Hawai‘i Insurance Division encourages homeowners to talk to their agents to identify insurance coverage options. Homeowners unable to obtain Homeowners or Dwelling Fire coverage from a private insurance company may qualify for coverage from the Hawai'i Property Insurance Association.
    Hawai‘i Insurance Division publishes a range of insurance guides and premium comparison sheets for public review online at cca.hawaii.gov/ins/resources. Consumers can use them to review and compare sample premiums from insurance companies licensed in Hawai‘i.
    “We remind consumers to be careful of potential scams. Many scammers prey on a consumer’s fear. Before doing business with an insurance agent or company, consumers should verify that they are an authorized and licensed insurance broker,” said Insurance Commissioner Gordon I. Ito.
    Insurance licensee lookup and more information from the Hawai'i Insurance Division is available at https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/. Hawai'i Insurance Division is available to assist the public with questions by phone and email at (808) 586-2790 and insurance@dcca.hawaii.gov.

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NUMEROUS ACTING GOVERNORS WILL HEAD UP THE STATE with departure of Gov. Josh Green from June 30 through the first half of August, returning on Aug. 15. For the first ten days, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will serve as acting Governor. Between August 8 through Aug. 12, she will be traveling out of state and the position of acting Governor will be held by members of Governor's Cabinet. The schedule of the Acting Governors is as follows: July 30 through Aug. 8 – Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke; Aug.  8 through 9 – Budget and Finance Director Luis Salaveria; Aug. 9 through 12 – Attorney General Anne E. Lopez; Aug. 12 thrugh 15 – Attorney General Anne E. Lopez.

   FoKL's will present  a video of a production at Nāʻālehu Theater, "yes The Nāʻālehu Theater that no longer graces the center of town," says the statement from FoKL's.  "For those of you who have been here when it was in action, it might evoke good time memories and it will give our newer community members a glimpse of glorious days gone by."
    After the 50 minute movie, FoKL's will offer refreshments under the library's monkeypod tree and a chance meet and greet old and new members, meet the current board "and learn more what FoKL's does and how else you can contribute to our mission to raise funds for the Kaʻū Libraries."
   T's and Totes will be available for purchase.
    With comments and questions, reach out to any of the FoKL's board members as well as the library.
    FoKL's will be at the   Nāʻālehu OKK farmers market on Wednesday. Aug. 2.

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