Financial Surveillance and Examination Branch

The Surveillance and Examination (FSE) Branch reviews all filings from companies applying for Certificates of Authority to transact the business of insurance, audits domestic annual financial statements and premium tax statements. In addition, the staff conducts a continuing program of insurance company, agency, mutual and fraternal benefit societies, health maintenance organization financial and/or market conduct examinations, to assure compliance with insurance laws and financial solvency in an effort to safeguard consumer interests and maintain professionalism in the industry.

Compliance and Enforcement Branch

When a complaint is filed with the Insurance Division, the Compliance and Enforcement Branch conducts an investigation to assure compliance with the applicable statutes and rules. Appropriate disciplinary actions are taken by the Compliance and Enforcement Branch when necessary. If it is determined that a case warrants prosecution, it is referred to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution by the State. To file a complaint, a complaint form must be filled out and submitted to the Hawaii Insurance Division.

The Complaint/Inquiry Form can be obtained here.

Licensing Branch

• The Licensing Branch oversees the examination process and issues licenses to qualified applicants for the following license types
• Fraternal Benefit Society Producer
• Independent Adjuster
• Independent Bill Reviewer
• Limited Adjuster – Worker’s Compensation Claims
• Limited Line Motor Vehicle Rental Company Producer
• Limited Lines Producer – Resident Business Entity
• Limited Lines Producer – Resident Individual
• Managing General Agent
• Nonresident Producer – Business Entity
• Nonresident Producer – Individual
• Public Adjuster
• Producer – Resident Business Entity
• Producer – Resident Individual
• Reinsurance Intermediary Broker
• Reinsurance Intermediary Manager
• Service Contract Provider
• Surplus Line Broker License
• Vehicle Protection Product Warrantor
• The Licensing Branch is responsible for renewal notifications, processing of remittance checks, amendments, confirmation and cancellation of these insurance licenses
• The Licensing Branch is also responsible for processing, amending and terminating appointments between an insurance company and producer.
• The Licensing Branch oversees the Continuing Education (CE) Program.

• Processes applications which are reviewed by the CE Advisory Committee and they recommend approval or disapproval of the applications to the Insurance Commissioner, who makes the final decision.
• Issues Certificate for approved providers.
• Issues Certificate for approved courses.
• Maintains lists of approved CE Providers and Courses.
• The Licensing Branch is responsible for renewal notifications, processing of remittance checks, confirmation and cancellation of these continuing education providers and courses.

Rate and Policy Analysis Branch

The Rate and Policy Analysis Branch (RPA) devises and implements systems and procedures for the analysis of rate and policy filings by domestic, foreign and alien insurance companies in order to assure compliance with state insurance laws. The RPA Branch reviews and approves rates used by companies in the sale of its policies to insure that mandated coverages are provided and that the interests of the buyers are protected.

Insurance Fraud Investigation Branch

The Fraud Branch was formed to conduct a statewide program for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of insurance fraud cases and violations of all applicable state laws relating to insurance fraud. To find out more about insurance fraud click here.

Heath Insurance Branch

The Health Insurance Branch is responsible for regulating health insurers, including health maintenance organizations and mutual benefit societies.  The Branch's primary responsibilities are: receive inquiries and complaints pertaining to health insurance, including long-term care insurance; receive requests from consumers for external reviews of a health plan's decisions under the Hawaii Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Act, and administer the external review process.  The Branch also provides administrative and technical support to the Patients' Rights and Responsibilities Task Force.

To view the Hawaii Patients' BILL of RIGHTS "YOUR HEALTHCARE RIGHTS" brochure click here.

Captive Insurance Branch

The Captive Insurance Branch (CI) provides for dedicated resources to facilitate the monitoring, regulation and prudent development of the captive insurance industry in the State of Hawaii.

The CI branch reviews and evaluates each prospective captive application on a case-by-case basis to ensure appropriate economic and social responsibility of each program structure and its related constituencies, as well as, compliance with applicable State laws and regulations. On an ongoing basis, the CI branch utilizes interim and annual reports and filings, and on-site examinations to monitor compliance with the approved applications and business plans.