State urges residents to file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible

Senator Brandon Elefante and Representative Garner Shimizu passed on the following news release from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs:

RESIDENTS URGED TO FILE INSURANCE CLAIMS AFTER SEVERE STORMY WEATHER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2026

HONOLULU — Following recent high winds and heavy rain, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division is reminding residents to protect their property and file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible.

If your home, vehicle, or personal property has been damaged, contact your insurance company or agent right away to report the loss. Ask for your claim number and confirm any deadlines for filing or submitting documentation. Starting your claim promptly helps ensure your coverage is applied correctly and delays are avoided.

Document all damage by taking clear photos or videos. If it is safe to do so, keep damaged items until the insurance adjuster has seen them. You should also take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as placing tarps over roof leaks or boarding broken windows, but avoid making permanent repairs until your insurer has approved them.

Keep records of all expenses related to the damage, including temporary repairs, hotel stays, meals and other costs caused by the storm. Save receipts and write down what was damaged, when it occurred and what actions you took to protect your property.

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, be available for inspections and provide any requested documents. Review settlement offers carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

To help residents navigate the claims process, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has available a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video on how to file an insurance claim. These resources provide practical tips and step-by-step guidance on documenting losses, understanding coverage and working with insurers after a disaster.

“Licensed insurers are required to handle claims fairly and help consumers recover after a disaster,” said Insurance Commissioner Scott K. Saiki. “If you experience delays, disputes, or have questions about your policy or settlement, our office is here to help.”

Consumers may contact the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins for claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

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Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Email: wnhieu@dcca.hawaii.gov
Phone: 808-586-7582

January 2026 meeting

As a reminder, this month’s ACA meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 PM. This will be a hybrid meeting, meaning you can join in person at the ʻAiea Public Library (in the programming room immediately across the main library entrance) or virtually via GoToMeeting.

In addition to our regular business this month, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply will give a presentation on their granulated activated carbon treatment project at Kaʻamilo Wells (to address PFAS contaminants).

If you join us in person at ʻAiea Public Library, please note that the library’s parking lot is currently closed for emergency repairs. Please park on the street instead. When entering the library property, please use the front steps facing Halewiliko Street (the one next to the sugar molecule statue). Please do not enter the library from the parking lot side. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Files from this month’s meeting will be added below.

Join us this Saturday, December 13 at the ʻAiea Christmas Parade and Family Fun Fair!

December 13, 2025
Parade begins at 9 AM!

Family Fair begins at 10 AM!

Mahalo to the talented students at ʻAiea Intermediate School for designing our parade flier!

Please join us on December 13, 2025 for the annual ʻAiea Christmas Parade and Family Fun Fair. This has become an annual community event to celebrate the holiday season.

The parade typically features marching bands, school and community groups, classic cars, floats, and, of course, Santa. The Fun Fair typically features entertainment, children’s activities, information booths, crafts, and food booths. The Hawaii Blood Bank will be present to accept blood donations, and Kaiser Permanente will be on-hand to offer flu shots. Overall, it’s a great opportunity for the community to relax and enjoy the holiday activities and share community spirit.

Parade route: Pearl Ridge Elementary/Pearlridge Community Park to Aiea Public Library (Pohai Place). Parade starts at 9 a.m. Please be aware that there will be lane closures in effect along the parade route. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

The parade will start at 9am at Pearlridge Elementary School and will end at the Old Sugar Mill site on Halewiliko Street next to the ʻAiea Library. The Family Fun Fair will be held at the end of the parade.

Mahalo to those who make our parade possible!

Sponsors

  • KSSK Radio/iheart Media
  • Pearlridge Center
  • Big City Diner

Those who make our logistics work

  • ‘Aiea Hongwanji Mission
  • ‘Aiea Intermediate School
  • ‘Aiea Public Library
  • Korean Methodist Church
  • Pearl Ridge Elementary School

The ʻAiea Christmas Parade and Fun Fair is sponsored and funded by the ʻAiea Community Association (ACA), which is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization. The ACA is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to serving the ʻAiea community. Donations are always appreciated.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Parade or Fun Fair, please contact Karen Higa at aieaparade@yahoo.com.

We hope you can help us to promote this family-friendly community event. Your help and support would be greatly appreciated.

Mahalo and Happy Holidays,

Karen Higa
ʻAiea Parade Committee

Claire Tamamoto
ʻAiea Community Association

Thursday, December 4 @ 7pm: Hawaiian Electric Town Hall Meeting for ‘Aiea (and Pearl City)

Notice for ʻAiea and Pearl City residents:

Hawaiian Electric customers in ʻAiea and Pearl City are invited to join Hawaiian Electric for a community town hall meeting.

The meeting will include:

  • Information on “whatʻs being done in the community to keep the lights on through upgraded infrastructure and strengthening [the system] to better withstand and recover from emergencies”;
  • An opportunity for residents to ask questions from company representatives; and
  • An update on the companyʻs Waiau Repower Project.

Meeting details are as follows:

  • Date: Thursday, December 4, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Open house format with displays and refreshments beginning at 6:30 pm)
  • Location: Pearl Ridge Elementary School, 98-940 Moanalua Rd, Aiea, HI 96701

For those unable to attend in person, the Hawaiian Electric Town Hall portion of the meeting will be recorded and posted on Hawaiian Electric’s website.

November 2025 meeting

Documents and other files for the November 2025 ACA meeting will be added to this post.

October 2025 meeting

Documents and other files for the October 2025 ACA meeting will be added to this post.

Links

Free Sustainability and Composting Workshop this Saturday, Oct. 18, 10am – 12 noon

Xavier Ito, a prospective Eagle Scout, has arranged for this amazing service project: a free workshop on sustainability and composting. This will take place on Saturday, October 18 from 10 am to noon at the Alvah Scott Elementary School cafeteria. The first 50 families will get a free Bokashi composting home starter kit.

To RSVP, please use this link or use the QR code on the flier.

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