Condos’ high-rising insurance premiums are a top issue in these legislative races

Jillian Anderson was planning to make fighting crime in Waikiki the top issue in her campaign for a seat in the Hawaii House of Representatives. Then came the letter from her condo association announcing a 300% increase in insurance premiums, which would be passed on to owners through an assessment.

That amounts to approximately $2,000 for Anderson, she said. Now, she added, critical issues facing condo owners in Waikiki and the rest of Hawaii — especially spiking insurance costs — top her agenda.

“Before my No. 1 issue was public safety,” says Anderson, a 27-year-old Republican office manager for Rep. Gene Ward. “In terms of immediate needs and having to find immediate solutions, this has risen to the top of the list.”

Anderson isn’t the only candidate highlighting the alarming spike in insurance premiums that is driving up housing costs for condo dwellers. Her opponent in Waikiki’s District 24, incumbent Rep. Adrian Tam, a Democrat, also says his No. 1 issue is the unstable condo insurance market. Tam co-sponsored a bill designed to stabilize condo insurance costs this past session. The measure stalled in conference committee.

Tam says it’s important to craft a policy not just to stabilize but to lower premiums.

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