C. 5 years is correct. Hawaiʻi's annuity best-interest framework contains a specific recordkeeping requirement. Under HRS §431:10D-625, insurers, managing general agents, independent agencies, and producers must maintain—or make available to the Insurance Commissioner—records relating to the consumer information gathered, disclosures provided, summaries of oral disclosures, and other information forming the basis for an annuity recommendation. These records must be available for five years after the insurance transaction has been completed by the insurer .
The insurer may maintain documentation on the producer's behalf, but that does not eliminate the underlying compliance obligation. Documentation is critical because Hawaiʻi's annuity rules require producers to make recommendations based on the consumer's financial situation, insurance needs, objectives, liquidity requirements, risk tolerance, and other relevant profile information.
Options A and B are too short to satisfy the statutory annuity recordkeeping period. Ten years exceeds the required period.
This rule should also be distinguished from other Hawaiʻi insurance record-retention requirements, since different records—such as general producer transactions, illustrations, or replacement documentation—may be governed by different provisions.
Reference topics: HRS §431:10D-625; Annuity Recordkeeping; Best-Interest Standard; Consumer Profile Information.
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