Lawmakers Propose Monopolistic State Fund as Cure for Dysfunctional System

Hawaii lawmakers this year could debate whether the state's workers' compensation system could be improved by driving private carriers off the islands. A bill introduced Jan. 27 would create a public corporation to provide workers' compensation insurance in Hawaii and require employers to purchase coverage from the state-run carrier or self-insure. House Bill 2715, by Rep. Mark Nakashima, D-Hamakua, would also repeal statutes authorizing the Hawaii Employers Mutual Insurance Co., or HEMIC. The purpose of the bill is to increase workplace safety and provide timely and appropr...