Hawaii Department of Insurance

Office address: King Kalakaua Bldg. 335 Merchant St., Rm. 213 Honolulu, HI 96813
Website: cca.hawaii.gov/ins/
Year established: 1903
Employees: N/A
Key people: Jerry Bump (acting insurance commissioner), Scott Saiki (acting chief deputy commissioner), Kathleen Nakasone (manager), Samuel Thomsen (chief investigator), Andrew Kurata and Jenny Fujiwara (administrators)
Operating budget: N/A

The Hawaii Department of Insurance, officially called the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division, handles insurance matters statewide. It tracked 272 active captive insurers in 2024, mostly in construction, real estate, and healthcare.

History of Hawaii Department of Insurance

Hawaii’s insurance department (DCCA Insurance Division) began in 1903. Its role grew over time as it expanded into new areas like health insurance and captive regulation.

Here is a quick overview of the Hawaii Department of Insurance’s history:

• 1903: Hawaii’s Insurance Division was established to oversee local and foreign insurers
• 1963: Department of Treasury and Regulation changed to Department of Regulatory Agencies (DRA)
• 1982: DRA became the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
• 1998: its captive insurance branch was officially formed
• 1999: health insurance branch was added to handle new duties
• 2010: took action against American Legacy Group Legal Plan, LLC, an unlicensed legal plan provider
• 2012: aligned captive insurance laws with NAIC standards
• 2023: released claim data after Maui wildfire crisis

In 2024, the division worked with state leaders on relief options for condo groups facing rising insurance costs. It remains active in making coverage more available and affordable across Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Insurance continues to guide policy during a time of market stress and disaster recovery.

Hawaii Department of Insurance mandate

Hawaii’s DCCA Insurance Division operates under authority granted by multiple chapters of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, including chapters 431, 432, and 488. Its core mission centers on keeping insurance companies financially sound and giving consumers access to fair and dependable protection.

The Hawaii Department of Insurance is directed by the insurance commissioner, appointed by the governor, and supported by a chief deputy commissioner. The current acting commissioner is Jerry Bump.

The department’s branches include:

• insurance fraud investigation
• health insurance
• rate and policy analysis
• licensing
• captive insurance
• financial surveillance and examination
• compliance and enforcement

Each branch helps enforce the laws that keep the market honest and protect people from unfair practices. They are guided by the Joint Underwriting Plan Board of Governors, as well as the Joint Underwriting Plan Bureau.

Key responsibilities

The Hawaii Department of Insurance touches many areas tied to compliance, industry performance, and public protection:

• rate filing review: checks if pricing is fair and justified
• license issuance: approves agents, brokers, and insurance companies
• financial monitoring: ensures companies can meet claims and stay solvent
• complaint handling: resolves coverage, billing, and service problems
• fraud investigation: works with law enforcement on false claims
• health coverage regulation: reviews benefits and plan approvals
• captive oversight: supervises alternative risk entities licensed in Hawaii
• education tracking: enforces training for licensed professionals
• tax collection: manages premium and surplus line tax reporting
• code enforcement: applies state rules to market conduct

The agency’s work helps make sure insurers stay accountable and responsive to local laws. Its oversight gives people and businesses access to stable and lawful coverage.

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus

The Hawaii Department of Insurance is involved in the state’s effort to reopen the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund after more than 20 years. It will review the fund’s final policy and operational plans once completed. The division’s oversight role supports a broader strategy to expand hurricane coverage amid rising property insurance costs.

The department’s lack of authority over surplus lines insurers contributed to sharp rate hikes across Hawaii. This regulatory gap led to the governor’s emergency proclamation, calling for state-led action back in 2024. The department’s limited power highlighted the need for broader solutions in a tightening insurance market.

Consumer protection and outreach

The Hawaii Department of Insurance protects consumers by offering complaint support, step-by-step guides, and targeted educational tools. Below are examples:

• “My insurance doesn’t cover what?”: downloadable content that explains unexpected gaps in insurance coverage
• Insure U program: teaches insurance basics based on life events
• post-disaster claims guide: helps policyholders file after storm or fire damage
• premium comparison reports: shows cost differences for auto, renters, and homeowners insurance
• flood and hurricane insurance guides: explains coverage options and risk areas

Hawaii's DCCA Insurance Division encourages consumers to speak with an investigator before submitting a formal complaint to help resolve issues quickly. If needed, complaints can be filed online or by mail. Its compliance and enforcement branch investigates each case and takes action when rules are broken.