What Condo Owners Should Know About the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund
What if your condo association couldn’t get hurricane insurance? Scary, right? For many condo associations, that nightmare was becoming a reality. Insurers were walking away or hiking premiums to unmanageable levels. But here’s the good news—Hawaii stepped in to help.
The Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) is back. After being dormant for years, the fund was reactivated in 2024 to help stabilize the shaky insurance market. And as of June 24, 2025, it’s open for business. Condo associations can now apply for hurricane coverage to fill the gaps left by private insurers.
How does this affect you as a condo owner? Let’s break it down.
Why This Matters to Condo Owners
If you’re part of a condo association, you know how important insurance is. A damaged roof? Flooded common areas? Those repairs don’t pay for themselves. Without proper insurance, your association might have to dip into its reserves or—worse—send you a big, fat special assessment to cover losses. Nobody wants that.
The HHRF helps prevent these situations by providing hurricane coverage for condo and townhome associations. This keeps the buildings insured and protects you from surprise costs during the next big storm.
Who’s Eligible?
Not every condo association in Hawaii qualifies. There are rules. Associations must:
- Prove they were denied hurricane coverage by at least two licensed insurers.
- Have buildings with a total insured value of over $10 million.
Yes, that narrows it down. But for large condo communities scrambling to find coverage? This could be a lifesaver.
Here’s How It Works (Real Talk)
Say your condo complex, “Island Breeze Towers,” is struggling to get hurricane insurance. Private insurers keep saying, “Sorry, we’re out.” The board is panicking. They know hurricane season is coming, and the current policy is about to expire.
The association contacts a licensed insurance producer. That producer helps them apply to the HHRF. After meeting all the requirements, bam—the association gets a policy covering hurricane damages above $10 million. There’s a catch, though. The HHRF only covers excess losses, so the board still needs primary insurance for the first $10 million in damages. But now, at least they’re not completely exposed. Owners like you? You sleep better at night.
Quick Win for Owners
How does this benefit you directly? Two big ways:
- Keeps Costs Manageable
Rising premiums are often passed to owners through higher maintenance fees or assessments. HHRF coverage could stop those massive hikes.
- Secures the Value of Your Property
No insurance? No buyers. If your building isn’t insured, potential purchasers run the other way. HHRF coverage means fewer questions (and headaches) during sales.
Applying? Here’s the Scoop
The application process isn’t complicated, but it’s not a DIY situation either. Condo associations need to go through a licensed insurance producer. There’s some paperwork involved—affidavits, quotes, and proof of denials from other insurers. Usually, these docs have to be filed at least 30 days before the desired policy start date.
Good news for 2025, though. The HHRF is offering a one-time expedited application process. If your association has a June or July policy start date looming? You can skip the usual 30-day wait.
What Happens if Disaster Strikes?
Here’s where the HHRF shines. Imagine a Category 5 hurricane tears through your island. Damage totals $15 million. Your association’s primary insurance covers the first $10 million. Beyond that? The HHRF steps in to cover the additional $5 million. Big crisis averted. Assessments? Hopefully minimized. Peace of mind? Fully intact.
The Bottom Line
The Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund is here to keep condo associations insured and to shield owners from financial shocks. It’s not perfect—there’s paperwork, and not every building qualifies. But for many communities, it’s a game changer.
If you’re not sure whether your condo association is covered or eligible, now’s the time to ask. Because when the winds pick up and the rain starts pounding, it’s good to know someone’s got your back.