STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

SCOTT K. SAIKI
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE THE KONA STORM
Consumers Urged to Prepare their Property and Review Insurance Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2026

HONOLULU — Ahead of a powerful Kona storm expected to bring heavy rain and flooding
this week, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance
Division is encouraging residents to review their insurance policies and take steps now, that
can make the recovery and insurance claims process easier after the storm passes.

One of the most important steps homeowners, renters and condominium unit owners can
take is to review their insurance policies to understand what is covered and what is not.
Residents should also keep copies of their property, flood and auto insurance policies in a
waterproof container, or stored securely in the cloud so they can be easily accessed if a claim
must be filed.

Consumers are also encouraged to create or update a home inventory before the storm
arrives. Taking photos or videos of each room and documenting furniture, appliances,
electronics and valuables can help speed up the claims process. Receipts, serial numbers
and other records for high-value items should also be saved whenever possible.

Residents should also be aware that most standard homeowners, condominium unit-owners
and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available
separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which generally requires a
30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. To learn more, visit floodsmart.gov or talk
with your insurance agent.

“This is not our first storm of the year and it won’t be the last. Preparing now will set you up
for the future,” said Insurance Commissioner Scott K. Saiki. “And as always, if you have any
questions about your policy or settlement, our office is here to help.”

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division provides several online resources to help consumers better
understand their insurance coverage, including My Insurance Doesn’t Cover What? and
Annual Review of Your Insurance Policies.

For more information or additional assistance, contact the DCCA Insurance Division at 1-844-
808-DCCA (3222) or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins.

# # #

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division regulates the Hawaiʻi insurance industry, issues licenses;
examines the fiscal condition of Hawaiʻi-based companies; reviews rate and policy filings and
investigates insurance-related complaints

Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaiʻi
Phone: 808-586-7582
Email: [email protected]