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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Coming up on today’s episode at 12:30 p.m. Hawaii time, Annalisa Burgos talks with the state Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Deputy Director Dean Hazama about the cost of consumer fraud and how residents can protect themselves against deceptive business practices.
“At DCCA, consumer protection is not just enforcement. It’s education, outreach, and prevention,” Hazama said. “Our goal is to ensure that residents, businesses, and especially vulnerable communities have the tools they need to make informed decisions. We believe the best defense against fraud is awareness, access to information, and responsive government services.”
Hazama says the DCCA aims to be proactive, rather than reactive, by focusing on outreach and partnering with community organizations, industry groups, and other state and federal agencies to share consumer protection information.
Topics include:
- Scam prevention and fraud awareness
- Identity theft protection
- Financial literacy
- Disaster-related scams
- Understanding consumer rights under Hawaii law
National Consumer Protection Week is on March 1-7, and DCCA is hosting its annual 21st annual Consumer Protection Fair on March 5 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol, 4th Floor Lanai.
DCCA divisions and partner agencies will be available to answer questions, including AARP, BBB, FBI, Social Security, IRS, Red Cross, etc. and City and County and other state agencies.
Military service members and their families are also often targeted by scams that specifically exploit their military benefits or relocation situations.
The DCCA Military Consumer Guide is designed to help service members and their families make informed financial decisions, increase their awareness of local laws and available resources, and reduce financial stress during transitions.
“Hawaii is home to approximately 44,000 active duty service members and 5,500 National Guard personnel. Many military families experience frequent relocations, deployments, and permanent changes of station,” Hazama explained.
The DCCA says it’s also undergoing its IT Modernization Initiative, which focuses on accessibility, efficiency, and transparency through a redesigned website with improved navigation tools and eventually an AI-assisted customer support chatbot
Residents can also call a centralized call center at its new dedicated department-wide number: 1-844-808-DCCA (3222).
Hazama says this allows the DCCA to better track inquiries through a case management system and reduce missed or lost calls. Because cases remain active until resolved, it aims to improve accountability and responsiveness.
The DCCA also offers post-storm consumer guidance and insurance support.
“Following the recent high winds and heavy rain, DCCA’s Insurance Division issued a reminder to residents about how to protect their property and navigate the insurance claims process,” Hazama said.
“Natural disasters and severe weather events can create stress and confusion, and unfortunately can also open the door to fraud and misinformation. Our message to residents is simple: act promptly, document thoroughly, and know your rights.”
Remember to:
- Contact your insurance company or agent immediately to report damage.
- Document all damage with clear photos or videos.
- Keep detailed records.
Residents can contact the Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit the Insurance Division’s website for additional claim-filing tips and recovery resources.
Visit DCCA‘s website cca.hawaii.gov for more information and resources.
Catch “Covering the Cost with Annalisa Burgos” Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. online, on HNN’s streaming app and anywhere you get your podcasts.
From skyrocketing housing prices to the country’s highest tax burden, Annalisa is covering the cost of aloha in America’s most expensive state and offering practical strategies, policy insights, and honest talk about what it really takes to call Hawaii home.
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