By Ryan Finnerty
7/26/18
Hawaii Public Radio
The eruption at Kilauea has been disrupting life in Puna for almost 3 months. At present, over 700 homes have been destroyed. Many more have been abandoned due to unsafe conditions and lack of access.
Some residents have been receiving payouts from their homeowners insurance to cover the damage. But others are not so lucky. One Big Island couple is suing their insurer over the company’s lack of response.
The Leilani Estates home of Phillip and Lanell Haysmer was destroyed by fire in mid-May. The property was covered through Lloyd’s of London – the world’s largest insurer. But 2 months later, the couple still has not received a payout on their claim. This week the Haysmer’s filed suit against Lloyd’s alleging a breach of contract. Kealakekua lawyer Jeffrey Foster is representing the couple.