HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.611 2022-2024 p/Pc wo
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From: Julia Estigoy-Kaho'onei
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:45 AM czt -`t
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Home owner insurance cs u 'µ )
I would like to propose alternatives for the HPIA monopoly here in lava zone 1 & 2. Tyre as`,to
be options and choices for here in Pahoa rather than HPIA dominating the market. I read the
article in Civil Beat and the comment the president of Hawaii Insurance Council Alison Ueoka
quoted "What makes them more special than anybody else? I mean, they already got a cheaper
price on the home.", What is the goal of home ownership (especially first-time buyers, only
property and plan on retiring in that home) if not to have something to call their own and feel, feel
proud of one's accomplishment since home ownership is not an easy road, and feel assured they
can afford a least a decent lifestyle. Is it not our inalienable right to pursue happiness?
If we could have afforded a home in Hilo that would have been our first choice but in order to live
a fairly comfortable life, not stress over a ridiculous mortgage, the Puna area was the most
attractive district. How dare she blame us for making that choice, very condescending and rude to
make such a public statement. We are all doing what we can to be able to afford to live here. My
husband is Native Hawaiian and he had to live away for 45 years so we could retire comfortably
back on his kulaiwi. He was on the waitlist for over 25 years but buying in an area that was
affordable was the fastest track to home ownership for us.
Is the president of HPIA Native Hawaiian who had family die on the waitlist? If she did she would
have more compassion for the rest of us. Additionally, HPIA added that the rates should be
higher. What of those who are single elderly women (we have plenty here in Hawaiian Shores) on
fixed income. Does she expect them to get a part time job at 80 years old just to be able to remain
in their home of 15-20 years? Our insurance went up 1000% from $389 a year to $5300. Luckily
we can afford it (with a lot of sacrifices having to be made) but I worry about my neighbors.
Are there any plans to get some kind of tax credit or invite other companies to offer policies to
us? I would like to see a proposal drafted for options or solutions to this issue.
Thank you for your time.
Julia Kamaile Estigoy-Kaho'onei
JE s tigoyK@outlook.corn
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