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Homeowners Face Insurance Dilemma in Lava Prone Areas

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There are obvious perils of living in an area prone to volcanic activity. Since the 1970's, the U.S. Geological Survey has produced a map of Hawaii Island identifying each geographic area's lava risk. Leilani Estates is rated at the highest possible risk level. That makes homeowners insurance expensive and difficult to obtain for landowners, leading some to eschew protection. 

The Conversation's Catherine Cruz spoke with state insurance commissioner Gordon Ito about the latest eruption on the Big Island and what homeowners and renters should know.

Catherine Cruz is the host of The Conversation. Originally from Guam, she spent more than 30 years at KITV, covering beats from government to education. Contact her at ccruz@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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