Monday, February 2, 2026 70° Today’s Paper
By Christine Donnelly
Feb. 1, 2026 • Updated 7:21 a.m.
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Question: Auwe! If anybody else is wondering why their car insurance is going up without an accident or tickets, it’s because the state doubled the amount of coverage you must have. I had not heard of this and I bet I am not alone.
Answer: Motorists who carry the minimum required liability coverage may see their auto insurance premiums rise about 25%, now that a state law doubling the minimums has taken effect, according to the Insurance Division of the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Act 138 was signed into law July 1, 2024, but the section that raised the minimums for liability coverage did not take effect until Jan. 1, 2026, applying to policies obtained or renewed this year.
Now, the minimum liability coverage required in Hawaii is:
>> $40,000 for bodily injury liability per person
>> $80,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
>> $20,000 for property damage liability per accident
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Commonly shown as 40/80/20, these limits are up from the previous 20/40/10, which had stood for nearly 25 years, failing to keep up with the costs of medical care and vehicle repairs after a car crash, according to Act 138, which also increased penalties for repeatedly driving without insurance; the latter provisions took effect in 2024.
The Insurance Division says on its website that the law’s impact on auto insurance premiums will vary based on a motorist’s driving record, vehicle type, claims history and other factors.
“For many drivers, increasing coverage limits to twice the prior minimums may result in an average premium increase of about 25%, though your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances,” it says. For example, customers who already bought more than the minimum liability coverage likely would be less affected.
In addition to liability insurance, Hawaii law requires drivers to carry personal injury protection of at least $10,000. Other coverage, such as collision and comprehensive, is recommended but not mandatory under state law, according to the Insurance Division, which posts links to detailed information about car insurance, including a guide comparing premiums among Hawaii insurers, at 808ne.ws/3Z65kpF.
Q: Auwe! With Saks Off 5th closing, how are we supposed to use our gift cards? There was hardly any notice!
A: Saks Global announced Thursday that it’s closing most of its Saks Off 5th locations nationwide — including at Ala Moana Center and the Waikele Premium Outlets — and winding down its online store too. Although the Ala Moana store is scheduled to shut for good Monday, the Waikele store is holding a closing sale that keeps it open for the time being. Or customers with gift cards can try shopping at saksoff5th.com, which the company said will accept gift cards as payment through Feb. 13.
Valentine’s Dance
Kupuna especially are invited to boogie down at the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation’s Senior Citizen Valentine Dance, scheduled for Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. This popular annual event is free and open to the public, and not limited to senior citizens — although they are the stars of show. Hundreds of folks are expected, many of them members of DPR’s 30 senior clubs around Oahu. The festivities will include music by the Royal Hawaiian Band, a short program and plenty of time to dance. The Valentine’s Dance is one of many special events organized by DPR’s Senior Division. Learn more at bit.ly/oahuseniors.
Mahalo
On Jan. 7, I stepped off the bus on Bishop Street, tripped and fell face forward on the sidewalk. The pain was intense. I was blessed by Michael, who came to comfort me. He helped me get on my feet, adjusted my crooked glasses and walked me to the bus stop. May the kindness that was shown be returned to Michael many times over. — Linda
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813; call 808-529-4773; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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